Former Charlotte Hornets guard Amari Bailey has signed a new professional contract overseas, joining Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
What is Amari Bailey's NBA and college background?
Bailey was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 41st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played his college basketball at UCLA for one season with the Bruins. There, he posted averages of 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. His performance showed his potential as a combo guard.
He signed a two-way contract with the Hornets for the 2023-24 season. Bailey made 10 appearances at the NBA level. In those games, he averaged 2.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.3 steals in just 6.5 minutes per contest. The limited playing time made it tough for him to find a consistent rhythm in the league.
For the 2024-25 campaign, Bailey played in the NBA G League for the Long Island Nets. This stint allowed him to develop his game further against professional competition. Now, he takes his talents to a top European league to continue his career.
Why does this move matter for the Charlotte Hornets?
Bailey's departure is a minor roster note for the Hornets, but it reflects the ongoing churn at the end of an NBA bench. The team's focus is squarely on its current core and building momentum.
Fans tracking the team's progress can review the full schedule on our schedule page. Player development and roster decisions are constant processes for any NBA franchise.
Seeing a former draft pick succeed elsewhere can sometimes highlight a missed opportunity. But the Hornets' front office, led by General Manager Mitch Kupchak, is always evaluating talent. They must balance developing young players like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball with making competitive moves.
What comes next for Amari Bailey and Hapoel Jerusalem?
Bailey joins a Hapoel Jerusalem squad that finished third in the Israeli Basketball Premier League standings last season. He will be reunited with another former Hornet, Xavier Sneed, who is already on the team's roster. This familiar face could help Bailey adjust to his new surroundings quickly.
His role will likely be much larger overseas than it was in the NBA. Bailey will have the chance to be a primary scoring and playmaking option. He needs to prove he can lead a professional team and handle significant minutes. Success in Israel could pave the way for a return to the NBA in the future.
For Hapoel Jerusalem, adding a young, athletic guard like Bailey is a smart move. They get a player with NBA draft pedigree and G League experience. The team will expect him to contribute immediately as they aim to climb the standings and compete for championships. The Israeli league is known for its physical style and passionate fans, offering a great platform for growth.
The Hornets, meanwhile, continue their offseason planning. The team's current two-game run is something they will want to extend when official games resume. Keeping an eye on former players like Bailey is part of the broader basketball landscape, but Charlotte's immediate goals are internal improvement and winning more games.
