Hapoel Tel Aviv seeks to reduce roster size amid slow season start

Hapoel Tel Aviv is working to reduce its roster size following a recent 85-67 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Coach Dimitris Itoudis stated that the team currently has 23 players, including those sidelined by injuries, and aims to trim the squad to 17 or 18 members. Itoudis confirmed that several players are already in negotiations with other clubs regarding their departures.

Despite the planned reductions, Itoudis emphasized the need for roster depth to manage the demands of multiple competitions, frequent travel, and double-game weeks. He also provided updates on player health, noting that Tamir Blatt requires approximately two more weeks of recovery, while Kofi is showing improvement but has not yet been cleared for play.

In a separate reflection on the season's start, guard Vasilije Micic acknowledged that the team has not had the desired beginning, following losses to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Super Cup and Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague. Micic noted that the presence of many new players requires more time to establish a clear team identity and cohesion.