Deni Avdija Becomes First Israeli NBA All-Star

For the first time in NBA history, an Israeli has earned a place among the league’s elite. Deni Avdija, the 25-year-old forward from Beit Zera, has been named a reserve for the Western Conference in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, set to take place on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Avdija’s selection is a historic achievement not only for his personal career, but for Israeli basketball as a whole. Chosen by the league’s 30 head coaches, he becomes the first Israeli player to reach the All-Star stage, a dream that once felt distant now realized on basketball’s grandest midseason platform.

Currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Avdija is enjoying a breakout season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. He joins an elite group, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, as one of only three NBA players this season averaging at least 25-7-6. His consistent all-around play has included three triple-doubles and over 35 games with 20+ points.

Fan support was overwhelming Avdija ranked fifth in Western Conference voting with 2.2 million votes, trailing only megastars like Doncic, Jokic, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Reacting to the news, Avdija expressed deep gratitude. “It’s hard to believe that you just accomplish thing after thing after thing. It’s just emotional for me,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without my teammates, coaches, and the whole crew that’s been with me this season.”

Avdija, who was drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2020 and traded to Portland two seasons ago, credits patience, perseverance, and teamwork for his rise. “I doubted myself, but I kept working… I knew my opportunity to shine would come,” he said.

His humility was on full display. “There are great players who didn’t get chosen. I don’t want to say I deserve it, but I respect myself and my game.”

Portland head coach Tiago Splitter praised not only Avdija’s stats but his leadership and work ethic. “When you see a person like that succeeding, it’s truly special.”

Avdija’s accomplishment has been celebrated across Israel. Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA, congratulated him: “What immense pride… this is only the beginning.”

The All-Star nod also drew praise from his fellow international teammates. Luka Doncic said, “He definitely deserved to be an All-Star.” Carmelo Anthony noted on-air, “He’s the reason we keep talking about Portland.”

The game itself will feature a fresh format this year a round-robin tournament between three teams of eight players. Avdija will suit up for the international team, joining stars like Doncic, Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama.

While the spotlight shines on Avdija, his focus remains grounded. “It’s just fun,” he said. “But I have a lot of other things I think about… how to win games. I’m thinking more about the team right now than the All-Star.”

Still, for one unforgettable night, he will stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest basketball players on Earth and all of Israel will be watching with pride.

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