Deni Avdija’s All-Star Selection
Deni Avdija’s impressive performance this season has garnered him a place as a reserve in the NBA All-Star game, a milestone for both the player and his home country. The Portland Trail Blazers forward received this accolade on Sunday, joining a list of 14 other reserve players for the All-Star event scheduled for February 15 in Inglewood, California.
Historic Achievement
A native of Beit Zera, a kibbutz by the Sea of Galilee, Avdija is proud to be the first Israeli to earn an All-Star title in the history of the NBA. At just 25 years old and standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, he has consistently showcased his skills on the court this season, achieving personal best averages of 25.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 7.2 rebounds across 44 games. His exceptional performance has placed him among a select group of players—specifically, only he, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic—who are averaging at least 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Coach’s Praise
Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter expressed pride in Avdija’s dedication to the team, stating, “Proud of him. I know he cares about this team. When you see a person like that succeeding, it’s truly special.”
Avdija has made notable contributions to the team’s efforts during a challenging season marked by injuries, helping stabilize the Blazers, who were holding a record of 23-26 and sitting ninth in the Western Conference before their contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Season Highlights
Despite being sidelined by back pain and missing his sixth game of the last ten, Avdija has already tallied three triple-doubles this season, recorded double-digit assists nine times, and scored over 20 points in 35 games. He boasts an efficient shooting percentage of 46.7% from the field.
Looking Ahead
This will be Avdija’s second season with the Trail Blazers, after starting his career with the Washington Wizards, who selected him in the first round of the 2020 draft. The format for this year’s All-Star game features a tournament setup pitting the U.S. against the World, with three teams participating in round-robin play culminating in a championship game between the top two.
Avdija will showcase his skills alongside notable players like Doncic, Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama on the World team. His selection marks a significant achievement, not only for himself but also as a historic moment for Israeli basketball.
