Throughout the history of the NBA, many great Jewish basketball players have made a tremendous impact.
From Dolph Schayes in the early years of the league to Amar’e Stoudemire in more recent times, these players have shown exceptional skill, determination, and leadership.
#5: Danny Schayes
Coming in at #5 is longtime big man Danny Schayes.
He played steady, consistent basketball for numerous teams over his 18-year career.
Background
Schayes grew up in New York and played college basketball for the powerhouse Syracuse program.
The Utah Jazz selected him in the 1981 NBA Draft with the 13th overall pick.
He would play for the Jazz for over 5 seasons before being traded to the Denver Nuggets.
Accomplishments
- Played in nearly 1,100 regular season NBA games
- Reached the playoffs 12 different times
- Ranks top 15 all-time in career offensive rebounds
While Schayes lacked great individual accolades, his consistency, effort, and longevity allowed him to play at a high level for many years.
#4: Ernie Grunfeld
At the #4 spot, we have Ernie Grunfeld, who had a fine pro career both as a player and executive.
Background
Ernie Grunfeld grew up playing basketball in New York City.
He continued playing for the powerhouse Tennessee Volunteers in college under coach Ray Mears.
After being drafted 11th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1977, he played nine seasons in the NBA.
Accomplishments
- 1977 All-Rookie First Team
- Reached the playoffs 5 times as a player
- Served as General Manager or President of Basketball Operations for multiple NBA teams after retirement
Grunfeld proved himself as a quality starter on good teams during his playing career. His accomplishments in team front offices after retirement boost his legacy as well.
#3: Max Zaslofsky
Breaking into the top 3 Jewish NBA players of all time is Max Zaslofsky, a prolific scorer from the early days of the league.
Background
Zaslofsky grew up playing basketball on the courts of Brooklyn, New York.
He would go on to have a legendary career playing for St. John’s University before entering the NBA.
The Washington Capitols chose him with the last pick of the 1st round in the 1947 BAA Draft.
Accomplishments
- 4x All-NBA First Team Selection
- 1952 NBA All-Star Game Selection
- Scoring Champion in 1947-48 season (1479 total points)
- 8 playoff appearances in 10 pro seasons
Zaslofsky cemented himself as one of the top scorers in the early NBA. He could fill up the basket with the best players around in his era.
#2: Amar’e Stoudemire
As we reach the top 2, coming in as runner-up is electric big man Amar’e Stoudemire.
Background
Stoudemire did not play organized high school basketball in Florida growing up but quickly blossomed into a phenom.
After honing his skills, he immediately became an impact player for the Phoenix Suns following the 2002 NBA Draft.
Accomplishments
- 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 6x NBA All-Star Selection
- 5x All-NBA Team Selection
- Led Phoenix Suns to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances
At his apex with Phoenix, Stoudemire was virtually unguardable.
His coach Mike D’Antoni unleashed him in a lethal pick-and-roll game with Steve Nash that devastated opponents.
#1: Dolph Schayes
And topping the list as the greatest Jewish NBA player of all time is Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes.
Background
Schayes grew up in the Bronx, New York before attending NYU.
The Nationals (now 76ers) drafted Schayes as a territorial pick in the 1948 BAA Draft.
He would go on to play his entire career spanning 15 seasons with just one franchise.
Accomplishments
- 1955 NBA Champion
- 12x NBA All-Star Game Selection
- 12x All-NBA Team Selection
- One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
Schayes was a versatile, talented forward who could score, rebound, and defend with the best players of his era.
While undersized, he outworked opponents all over the court.
Sources:
www.thepostgame.com/8-best-jewish-basketball-players-all-time
medium.com/@MarcWeberSports/greatest-jewish-nba-players-5683f233d68e
