Deni Avdija becomes first Israeli selected to NBA All-Star Game
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija was named a Western Conference reserve on Sunday night, making him the first Israeli player ever chosen for the NBA All-Star Game.
The 25-year-old, born in Beit Zera on the Sea of Galilee’s southern shore, will appear in the Feb. 15 showcase at Inglewood, California. This year’s event features a U.S.-versus-World tournament format, with Avdija set to team up with Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and others on the World roster.
Avdija, nicknamed “Turbo,” is enjoying his best professional season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists across 44 games. He is one of only three players league-wide producing at least 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game, joining Jokic and Doncic.
“Proud of him. I know he cares about this team,” head coach Tiago Splitter said. “When you see a person like that succeeding, it’s truly special.”
The 6-foot-8 forward has recorded three triple-doubles, reached double-figure assists nine times and scored 20 or more points in 35 contests while shooting 46.7% from the field. His production has helped keep Portland afloat through multiple injuries; the Blazers entered Sunday’s matchup with Cleveland at 23-26, good for ninth in the Western Conference.
Avdija missed that game with a sore back, the sixth contest he has sat out in the past 10. He is the 17th player in franchise history to earn All-Star status and the first since Damian Lillard in 2023.
Drafted in the first round by the Washington Wizards in 2020, Avdija is in his second season with Portland after spending his first four NBA years in Washington.
Source: ESPN
