Kenny Lofton Jr. arrived in Europe to considerable skepticism, despite his offensive talent and individual accolades. His build, history of weight issues, and defensive limitations had long raised questions about whether he could play at the highest level. But just three games into the EuroCup season, the American power forward has become one of the toughest players in the competition to guard. Saša Obradović has found the right role for him at Hapoel Jerusalem, and Lofton is beginning to show the qualities that once made him one of the most intriguing American big men.
Hapoel has won all three of its opening EuroCup games, with Lofton averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and nearly one block per game, along with a performance index rating (PIR) of 23. His best performance came against Burgos in Spain, where he finished with 28 points and six rebounds, shooting 9-of-12 from two-point range and making all seven of his free throws. With a PIR of 33, he led the Israeli team to a narrow 85-84 victory.
The Same Physical Profile Once Limited His NBA Role
Lofton is an imposing physical presence on the court. At just 198 centimeters, he has a remarkably strong upper body, a low center of gravity, and an excellent sense of positioning in the paint. Once he establishes position on the low block, a single move is often enough to knock his defender off balance. He uses his strength and footwork against taller opponents, while smaller defenders struggle to keep him from backing them down toward the basket. He also has an impressive touch, can finish with either hand, uses fakes effectively, and punishes defenders who give him room to shoot.
The same physical build that now gives him an advantage in the EuroCup was one of the reasons he struggled to establish himself in the NBA. During his time in Memphis, he weighed approximately 275 pounds, which presented a considerable challenge in defensive systems that require big men to move well, switch assignments, and cover large areas of the floor. His offensive potential was rarely in doubt, but he struggled to compensate for his lack of lateral quickness when matched against faster opponents.
Ahead of his move to Jerusalem, however, reports suggested he had put considerable work into his conditioning. Israeli outlet Sport5 reported that he had lost approximately 22 pounds during the previous year in China, bringing his weight down to an estimated 255 pounds, although that figure has not been officially confirmed. He looked noticeably slimmer during preseason preparations, and his early performances suggest he can handle a significant offensive role. His defense, however, remains a concern, particularly when opponents force him to defend away from the basket.
Lofton First Drew Attention Against Wembanyama
Lofton first attracted attention in American basketball during his time at Louisiana Tech, and especially at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. He won gold with the United States alongside Chet Holmgren and Jaden Ivey. The Americans defeated France 83-81 in the final, despite a remarkable performance from Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight blocks. Lofton contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, playing a particularly important role in the second half.
Although he went undrafted in 2022, Memphis gave him an opportunity on a two-way contract, and he quickly became one of the best players in the G League. Playing for the Memphis Hustle, he averaged 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Even then, his offensive game extended beyond traditional post play, as he could create for teammates and help run the offense.
His style earned him the nickname “Gen Z-Bo,” a reference to former Memphis power forward Zach Randolph. The similarities were obvious, from their physical builds to the way both players relied on strength and skill to make up for a lack of explosiveness. Lofton had also developed guard skills as a child, which remain evident in his ballhandling, footwork, and passing instincts.
China Gave Him the Freedom to Become an Offensive Hub
The highlight of his brief NBA career came on April 9, 2023, when he scored 42 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Oklahoma City in his first start for Memphis. Granted, the game came at the end of the regular season, with both teams missing much of their usual rotation, but the performance was still impressive. Shortly before that game, Lofton had signed a multiyear contract with the Grizzlies, and it appeared he might be on his way to establishing a more significant role. That opportunity never fully materialized. After leaving Memphis, he had brief spells with Philadelphia and Utah before moving to China, where his career took a different direction.
With the Shanghai Sharks, he immediately took on a major offensive role. He finished his first season averaging 25.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, earning the CBA’s Foreign Player MVP award. He had much more freedom to operate in the post, handle the ball, initiate offense, and find teammates when opposing defenses sent double-teams.
His role changed the following season. Shanghai strengthened its roster, Lofton’s playing time dropped to 20 minutes per game, and his averages fell to 13.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Shanghai still won its first national championship in 24 years and claimed a second consecutive Chinese Cup title. Lofton was named MVP of the Cup final after scoring 25 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and recording five assists in just 23 minutes against Shanxi.
Saša Obradović Has Given Him a Role That Fits
He arrived in Jerusalem with that résumé, joining a club that had raised its ambitions over the summer and hired Saša Obradović. Hapoel is aiming for a place in the EuroLeague, and the American power forward has already become one of its most important offensive weapons.
Obradović has made no secret of how highly he rates Lofton’s talent. According to Israeli journalist Joshua Halickman, the Serbian coach described him as potentially one of the most talented players he has coached at that position. Coming from a coach with Obradović’s experience working with elite European players, it was notable praise.
Hapoel’s roster also gives Lofton the chance to share the offensive burden. Jalen Smith, Shake Milton, Lorenzo Brown, and Devontae Cacok bring different qualities, while injured guard Jared Harper, the EuroCup MVP in each of the previous two seasons, is expected to take on a significant role again when he returns. That should allow Lofton to operate in situations that suit him best, particularly in the low post and in actions involving the guards.
When Lofton catches the ball deep in the paint, single coverage is often not enough, while sending a double-team creates opportunities for his teammates. He is particularly effective at drawing contact, averaging six fouls drawn per game through the first three EuroCup rounds.
The Defensive End Will Determine How Far This Can Go
Three games are still too small a sample to judge how he will fare against stronger opponents, especially defensively. Lofton is already averaging 3.7 personal fouls and three turnovers per game, and opponents will look to involve him in pick-and-roll actions, force switches, and pull him away from the paint. Obradović will need to find ways to preserve his offensive production without giving opposing guards too much room to operate.
After scoring 28 points against Burgos, Lofton told Israeli outlet ONE that he could have played considerably better and still had plenty of room to improve. It was an interesting assessment from a player who has already been named the best foreign player in the Chinese league, won multiple trophies, and made an excellent start to his first season in Europe.
Lofton has already shown that he can be one of the most productive big men in the EuroCup. As opponents become better prepared to defend him, Obradović will need to keep finding ways to use his offensive strengths while limiting his defensive exposure. That balance will be important to Jerusalem’s chances as the season progresses.
