Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija is becoming Portland's most dangerous weapon: 'This guy is different'

Strong preseason performances have raised expectations, as well as his successful chemistry with Lillard and Morant, which is set to help him take another leap forward.

OCTOBER 19, 2026|ByWALLA! SPORTS

He picked up where he left off last season. Avdija.

Deni Avdija climbs in new rankings, earns high praise

The Portland star ranks 24th on Bleacher Report’s NBA list and rises from 76th to 27th in CBS’s rankings: “He could become one of the best in the league.” Full rankings inside.

OCTOBER 18, 2026|ByWALLA! SPORTS

Jewish guide to the 2026-27 NBA season

Fresh off becoming the first Israeli All-Star basketball player in NBA history, Deni Avdija leads a growing cohort of Jewish and Israeli players taking the court in the upcoming season.

OCTOBER 16, 2026|ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

SHAHAR AMIR returns to Hapoel Holon after a breakout season with Hapoel Galil Elyon, looking to build on his progress and help the Purples make a strong start to the new Israeli league campaign.

Back home in Holon, Shahar Amir looks to take next step in basketball, life - interview

Shahar Amir returns to Hapoel Holon following a breakout season with Galil Elyon, reflecting on personal milestones, the loss of Raz Adam, and his hopes for the future.

OCTOBER 11, 2026|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija headlines blue-and-white’s EuroBasket roster

Avdija will return to the national team for the first time since EuroBasket 2022, while former Indiana Pacers forward TJ Leaf has also been called up.

JUNE 23, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

AFTER TAKING a jump in his NBA career this past season, Deni Avdija will suit up for Israel's squad at the EuroBasket this summer.

Deni Avdija’s breakout season lifts Israeli hoops

As the only Israeli currently playing in the NBA, Avdija carries the weight of representing an entire nation and a global Jewish community that passionately follows his every move.

MARCH 27, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

ISRAELI FORWARD Deni Avdija has been playing at an All-Star level over the past few weeks for the Portland Trail Blazers in his first year with the club, and fifth NBA season overall.

Avdija first Israeli with NBA triple-double

In the final moments, Avdija had a chance to cap his historic night with a game-winning three-pointer, but the shot missed, sealing Portland’s defeat.

MARCH 3, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Israel forward Deni Avdija (left) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers defender Isaac Okoro during the Cavs' 133-129 overtime victory. Avdija had a triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in defeat.

Israel’s Deni Avdija embraces new challenge with Portland

Portland is a great spot for the 6-foot-9 Israeli, and the club has been eyeing him for some time.

JULY 10, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

DENI AVDIJA (left) is greeted by new Portland Trail Blazers teammate Scoot Henderson (right) this week in the locker room.

NBA: Israel’s Avdija traded from DC to Portland

After first four seasons with Wizards, 23-year-old forward on the move to revamped Trail Blazers

JUNE 27, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

DENI AVDIJA made a big jump last year and was an attractive offseason target for a number of teams. The Portland Trail Blazers ultimately got him.

Israeli star Deni Avdija is poised for a big year as new NBA season begins

Avdija has also become one of the more outspoken Jewish players in all of sports on issues relating to Israel and antisemitism.

OCTOBER 25, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

DENI AVDIJA will have many new teammates next season on the Washington Wizards, and the team looks like it will have a new minority owner as well.

Jewish player Amari Bailey drafted 41st overall by the Charlotte Hornets

Bailey’s new team, the Hornets, is in the process of being sold by basketball legend Michael Jordan to a group led by Jewish millionaires Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.

JUNE 24, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

Pair of tight triumphs has Israel at 2-0 in the EuroBasket preliminary round

Avdija & co. follow up overtime dramatics vs Finland with a 4th-quarter rally to beat the Netherlands.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

DENI AVDIJA has been Israel’s high scorer with 21 and 23 points, respectively, in victories over Finland and the Netherlands to open the blue-and-white Eurobasket campaign.

Basketball: Deni Avdija relishing opportunity to propel Israel

As for bringing home a medal in the Eurobasket, Avdija is certain that this version of the Israel National Team has a chance to do just that.

AUGUST 31, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

WHILE STILL only 21, Deni Avdija has the presence of a grizzled veteran on the Israel National Team, which tips off its Eurobasket campaign this weekend

Avdija, Israel prep for Eurobasket, World Cup qualifiers

The Israel National Team is no question a work in progress. Despite not having what would be considered the best prep possible, the coach isn't concerned. He also has Deni Avdija.

AUGUST 24, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN