Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija earned his inaugural NBA All-Star selection in 2026, marking a milestone as the first Israeli player to receive this honor. Avdija has been having a breakthrough season in Portland, leading the team in scoring with an average of 25.2 points per game and providing 6.6 assists per contest.
On February 1, Avdija was announced as one of the seven Western Conference reserves for the NBA All-Star Game set for Sunday. Due to the new round-robin ASG format introduced this year, Avdija will represent Team World. Social media users shared images of the star proudly holding his All-Star jersey adorned with the Israeli flag, underscoring the significance of his representation.
Avdija’s Reaction to Receiving His All-Star Jersey
The NBA shared footage of Avdija’s first look at his All-Star jersey, capturing the player’s heartfelt emotions. His sentiment resonated widely as he reflected on the hard work and perseverance that led him to this moment.
“Dream come true,” Avdija said. “You work hard, you sacrifice and you’re being patient and good things happen. With the flag, Team World is nice.”
Despite the Trail Blazers standing ninth in the Western Conference with a 27-29 record entering the All-Star break, Avdija’s contributions have kept the team competitive, particularly as injuries have impacted Portland’s contention chances this season.
What Avdija Shared About Representing Israel on the NBA’s Biggest Stage
At the All-Star media day, Avdija expressed his pride in carrying the Israeli flag during the league’s premier showcase. His comments highlighted both his personal journey and the connection he feels with fans back home.
“I’m happy to represent the country on the biggest stage,” Avdija said in his native language, per Ynetnews. “You walk into the room and see the shirt with your name and the flag, it’s very emotional, especially for a player who has come a long way to reach this moment.”
He also extended gratitude toward his supporters in Israel who have followed his rise and supported his All-Star candidacy.
“First of all, thank you for waking up and sacrificing your sleep. I know it’s not easy. So many of you voted for me and follow me, I feel like I’m playing together with the people of Israel on the court.”
Surprising Fan Voting Results and Final All-Star Outcome
Avdija’s strong showing in fan voting surprised many observers, as he ranked seventh in both the initial and second rounds of voting—placing ahead of established Hall of Famers such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. In the ultimate combined results, which factor in votes from fans, players, and media, he finished fifth among guards but narrowly missed a starter spot, ranking seventh overall.
What This Means for Avdija and the Trail Blazers Moving Forward
Deni Avdija’s All-Star accolade is a landmark achievement for both the player and Israeli basketball, shining a spotlight on his growing influence in the NBA. His strong performance this season provides hope for the Trail Blazers as they aim to solidify a position near the play-in spots despite roster challenges. Moreover, Avdija’s representation on Team World exemplifies the league’s increasing international diversity.
As Avdija carries Israel’s flag on the NBA’s biggest stage, his journey underscores determination and perseverance, signaling exciting possibilities ahead for his career and Portland’s season.
Deni Advija rocking the Israel flag on his All-Star jersey pic.twitter.com/t8D7EgeWnH
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 14, 2026
The first-timer!
A dream come true for Deni Avdija to be an NBA All-Star 🌟 pic.twitter.com/mahRahJi7n
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 14, 2026
