On Sunday, Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Israeli athlete selected to compete in the NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles. This accomplishment highlights Avdija’s rise in the league and marks a critical moment for Israeli basketball on the international stage.
Selected by fan vote ahead of NBA legends such as LeBron James, and supported by players, coaches, and media alike, Avdija’s inclusion reinforces his growing reputation in the sport and his prominence in the NBA this season.
From Draft Pick to Rising Star in Portland
Avdija began his NBA career when the Washington Wizards picked him ninth overall in the 2020 draft, the highest selection ever for an Israeli player. Despite his steady but not spectacular initial four seasons in Washington, his move to the Portland Trail Blazers in the summer of 2024 sparked a significant improvement in his performance.
This season, Avdija has posted career-best numbers, averaging 25.5 points per game with a 46.7 percent field goal rate and 35.6 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, he contributes 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists while playing nearly 35 minutes each game, establishing himself as a key player for Portland.
I’m proud. I remember the journey, I came a long way,
Avdija said Sunday, reflecting on his path to this achievement.
Fan Support and Recognition Across the League
Avdija’s strong fan vote showing—landing him in the top five among vote-getters—demonstrated his growing popularity, as he surpassed stars like Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards in the rankings. Although he narrowly missed a starting position, his nomination to the All-Star Game was also backed by endorsements from fellow athletes, coaches, and media members, validating his status as a rising star.
Deni Avdija on the emotions and pride of his first All-Star appearance 🥹 https://t.co/j3Q1iw1Wgu pic.twitter.com/k4xLsyeuzg
New Format and Global Team Competition
The 2026 NBA All-Star event will debut a novel structure featuring a tournament with three 12-minute games, where two American teams face off against an international squad, Team World. Avdija will represent this international side alongside notable global players including Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander representing Canada, Luka Dončić from Slovenia, and others.
This format underlines the NBA’s increasing effort to showcase international talent, with Avdija positioned prominently among the game’s global ambassadors.
Avdija’s Legacy Compared to Past Israeli NBA Players
Before Avdija, Omri Casspi was Israel’s most renowned NBA player, having a decade-long career across several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. Casspi, however, primarily served as a role player, often coming off the bench.
In contrast, Avdija has emerged as Portland’s franchise leader, being the top scorer and assist provider, and ranking second in rebounds, signaling his elite status within the team and the league.
His outstanding form was recognized in January when he earned the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week award after averaging 26.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds while leading Portland to three wins in four games.
Personal Roots and Family Background
Avdija’s journey is also a family story. He shared a nostalgic photo of himself as a child with his parents, expressing gratitude with the words, Couldn’t do it without you. His father, Zufer Avdija, is a former professional basketball player and coach from Serbia, while his mother, Sharon Artzi, was an athlete in Israel. This blend of athletic pedigree and supportive family influence has played a vital role in his development.
The Broader Impact of Avdija’s Achievement
Deni Avdija’s selection to the NBA All-Star Game is more than a personal triumph; it represents a significant moment for Israeli sports, amplifying the country’s presence in high-profile international basketball. His ascendancy might inspire a new generation of players in Israel and boost interest in the sport domestically.
The upcoming All-Star event, with its innovative format and emphasis on international talent, offers a global stage where Avdija and other international stars can showcase their skills, potentially influencing the NBA’s future direction in promoting worldwide basketball culture.
DENI AVDIJA. ALL-STAR. pic.twitter.com/5wbyh2pMhR
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2026
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2018146744341868963
