In its first roster move of the 2021-22 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced on Monday the return of big man Jalen Reynolds, who had previously played half a season with the club, on a two-year contract. Reynolds (2.07 meters, 28 years old) arrives from FC Bayern Munich, which he helped lead to a historic playoffs appearance as the EuroLeague's top two-point shooter last season. In averaging 13.6 points over 39 games last season, Reynolds made an average of 5.7 two-point shots per game for a total of 222 and 10.8 on a per-40-minute basis -- all of which were league highs. Indeed, his 222 two-pointers were 34 more than any other player. Reynolds also pulled the second-most rebounds all season, 226, for a fourth-ranked average of 5.8.
Maccabi and Reynolds, together again
"I am very happy and thankful for the opportunity to come back to Maccabi," Reynolds said. "My first experience showed me Maccabi is a great club and made my decision easy this time. I can't wait to see the arena full of amazing fans. I will bring all of my energy and focus to help the team win everything!"
Reynolds had been a mid-season pickup for Maccabi the previous 2019-20 season, averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 14 minutes over 12 games before the rest of that season was canceled. His previous Euroleague Basketball stops included two in the 7DAYS EuroCup, helping Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia reach the 2017-18 semifinals with 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, then putting up 13.8 and 8.1, respectively, for Zenit St Petersburg the following season. Reynolds has also played professionally for Recanati of the Italian second division, Guangzhou Long Lions in China, and Stockton of the NBA's G-League.
"We know him well, he knows us well and he will be able to adjust fast and get ready to help the team quickly," Maccabi head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos said.