(JTA) — Gal Mekel, the second Israeli to play in the NBA, was released by the New Orleans Pelicans after two weeks.
Mekel, a point guard, had been acquired by the Pelicans on Dec. 5 and appeared in four games, according to NBA.com. During his four games for New Orleans he averaged 1.5 points and 3.3 assists. The Pelicans activated a clause in Mekel’s two-year, non-guaranteed contract which allowed them to release him without compensation before Jan. 10.
He was waived earlier this season by the Dallas Mavericks. The former Maccabi Haifa standout remained in the United States working out with a private coach after his release by the Mavs.
The Indiana Pacers had been ready to sign Mekel in November following his release, but delays in renewing his visa tanked the deal, according to ESPN.
Mekel, who followed Omri Casspi as only the second Israeli to play in the National Basketball Association, had missed part of his rookie season with an injury.
