Deni Avdija, a 25-year-old forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, has made history by becoming the first Israeli player to be selected as an NBA All-Star. This milestone was announced on Sunday, following Avdija’s designation as an All-Star reserve for the Western Conference, a recognition earned through over 2.2 million votes, placing him seventh in the overall All-Star voting, ahead of several NBA legends including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Avdija’s selection spotlights his outstanding breakout season, in which he has posted career-best averages of 25.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. These statistics rank him 13th and 12th in the NBA for points and assists respectively, marking him as a leading candidate for the league’s Most Improved Player award.
Early Career and Impact on Fans
Avdija’s ascent began during his rookie season with Portland, earning widespread admiration from Jewish basketball followers both in Israel and the United States. Originally from Kibbutz Beit Zera in northern Israel, he first made a name for himself as a teenage phenomenon with Maccabi Tel Aviv before becoming the first Israeli athlete drafted in the NBA’s top 10 picks. His career trajectory has since captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide.
Avdija’s Response to His Selection
Following the announcement of his All-Star status, Avdija expressed gratitude toward his teammates and coaching staff, emphasizing their collective contribution to his success.
“Obviously, I couldn’t do it without my teammates and coaches, and the whole crew that’s just been with me this season, [it’s] been amazing,”
he said.
“There’s a long season to go. I gotta focus on the team and see how we get better as a group, but definitely as an individual accolade that’s amazing.”
Reflecting on his basketball journey, Avdija added,
“I started playing basketball without a dream and just [to] see, pursue it, and just see wherever it takes me, and it’s hard to believe that you just accomplish thing after thing after thing. It’s just emotional for me for sure.”
Esteemed Recognition from Israeli Basketball Observers
Within the Israeli basketball community, Avdija’s All-Star nod is viewed as the fulfillment of longstanding expectations. Moshe Halickman, a basketball writer for the Sports Rabbi website, praised the achievement, stating,
“Deni Avdija being named an NBA All-Star reserve is an unbelievable achievement in the mind of every Israeli basketball fan. This is a dream come true for many — a dream that became realistic and even a must-happen during his breakout season — but something that in his first five seasons in the NBA never came across as something that was going to be real.”
Halickman, who has followed Avdija’s career both in Washington, D.C., and Israel, further noted that Avdija is widely regarded as the greatest Israeli basketball player ever, and possibly the finest athlete ever produced in Israel.
Oded Shalom, Avdija’s former coach in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams, echoed this tribute in a profile for The Athletic, saying,
“Even though he is only 25, I think he is Israel’s most successful athlete in history. We’ve had some great gymnasts — and I hope everyone forgives me for saying it, because we’ve had some great athletes — but I think Deni has become the greatest.”
Challenges Amid Broader Political and Social Context
Avdija’s rise to NBA prominence has unfolded against the tumultuous backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza and an increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide. He has addressed how this environment affects him personally, stating,
“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics, because it’s not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from. It’s frustrating to see all the hate. Like, I have a good game or get All-Star votes, and all the comments are people connecting me to politics. Like, why can’t I just be a good basketball player? Why does it matter if I’m from Israel, or wherever in the world, or what my race is? Just respect me as a basketball player.”
Looking Ahead to the NBA All-Star Game
With his All-Star selection official, Avdija’s skills will be showcased at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles. This event offers a platform for Avdija to represent Israel on one of basketball’s biggest stages, solidifying his place among the league’s elite players.
“It’s emotional for me for sure.” ❤️
Deni reflects on finding out he’s been named an All-Star for the first time in his career. pic.twitter.com/uo6NxGiqya
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 2, 2026
