Israeli giants land 28-year-old NBA journeyman on a three-year deal as backcourt overhaul takes shape
Jeff Dowtin Jr. is packing for Tel Aviv—and he’s not coming for the hummus.
After weeks of talks, Maccabi Tel Aviv finally locked in the 28-year-old American guard on a three-year deal, sealing another major step in the club’s summer rebuild. For Dowtin, this is his first leap into European basketball. For Maccabi, it’s a bet on NBA pedigree to revive a team that has struggled to make deep EuroLeague runs lately.
He’s the third former NBA player to sign with the Israeli powerhouse this offseason, following Lonnie Walker IV and Oshae Brissett—both of whom once shared a locker room with Dowtin.
Why Dowtin? Maccabi Wanted IQ and Versatility
Maccabi’s front office didn’t just want another scorer. They needed someone who could read the floor, switch gears mid-play, and guide the offense through tough patches. Dowtin checks most of those boxes.
Standing at 6-foot-3 (1.91 meters), the Rhode Island alum has floated across five NBA teams since going undrafted in 2020. His most meaningful stint came last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Though not a starter, Dowtin made the most of his 15 minutes per game, averaging 7.0 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds. Not mind-blowing, sure, but consistent. He also knocked down 40% of his three-pointers—a stat that caught Maccabi’s eye.
That wasn’t all.
In late March, Dowtin erupted for 30 points against the Wizards. One of those nights where everything clicks—drives, threes, mid-range jumpers, all net. That game likely sealed the deal for Maccabi’s scouts.
A Busy Offseason in Tel Aviv
Dowtin’s signing didn’t come in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader effort to rewire the team’s identity after a messy EuroLeague exit last season.
Maccabi has already made some loud moves this summer:
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Signed Lonnie Walker IV, former Lakers and Spurs guard, known for his athleticism and streaky scoring.
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Picked up Oshae Brissett, a two-way forward who played most recently with the Boston Celtics.
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Re-signed Tamir Blatt, the Israeli floor general who’s expected to lead from the bench.
It’s clear what they’re going for: high-octane, American-style offense with a Euro-savvy twist.
That said, none of this guarantees success. EuroLeague is a different beast. Physical, slower-paced, tactical. And adapting to the officiating alone can be brutal for former NBA players.
But head coach Oded Kattash seems willing to roll the dice.
From Fringe NBA Player to EuroLeague Starter?
Dowtin wasn’t a household name in the NBA. He was the kind of guy who got 10-day contracts, G-League stints, emergency call-ups. But in Europe, that script can flip fast.
In Tel Aviv, he’ll likely have a much larger role. Starting minutes. Clutch possessions. Leadership responsibilities. All things he never really got a shot at in the NBA.
There’s also a chance for him to reinvent himself defensively. EuroLeague rewards guards who fight through screens, make smart switches, and avoid cheap fouls. Dowtin’s lateral quickness and footwork are solid—but consistency will be key.
Plus, playing under the Maccabi spotlight isn’t for the faint of heart. The fans are die-hard, the press is relentless, and expectations are sky-high.
One misstep? They’ll let you know.
Recent EuroLeague Track Record Isn’t Pretty
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Maccabi hasn’t cracked the Final Four since 2014. That’s a long drought for a team with six EuroLeague titles.
Here’s how they’ve fared over the past five seasons:
| Season | EuroLeague Finish | Notable Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Quarterfinal exit | Injuries, poor bench depth |
| 2023–24 | Failed to qualify | Inconsistent guard play |
| 2022–23 | Playoff exit | Defensive lapses |
| 2021–22 | Missed playoffs | Lack of floor spacing |
| 2020–21 | Round of 16 exit | Turnover problems |
It’s no wonder management is reshuffling the deck.
One Thing Dowtin Brings That’s Hard to Teach
Not the loud, brash kind. But the steady, quiet kind—the type that shows up late in games, when things get chippy. Dowtin has never seemed rattled by pressure. Maybe it comes from having to fight for every NBA minute. Maybe it’s just in his DNA.
One team source, speaking anonymously, said Dowtin was “among the calmest players we’ve ever interviewed.” That calm could prove useful in close EuroLeague contests, where nerves often decide games more than talent does.
Also worth noting: Dowtin’s injury history is clean. No major surgeries, no lingering issues. In a season that could stretch over 70 games with EuroLeague and Israeli league commitments, that durability matters.
Chemistry With Walker and Brissett Could Be a Shortcut
Here’s the wildcard—Dowtin already knows Walker IV and Brissett from his earlier NBA days. That chemistry could help Maccabi skip the usual adjustment period teams face when integrating new players.
They’ve shared practice floors, locker rooms, even scouting reports. That matters. Especially in the EuroLeague, where cohesion often trumps raw firepower.
And while it’s too early to predict how the trio will gel under Kattash’s system, the blueprint is there.
At the very least, it makes for an interesting subplot heading into training camp.
