Deni Avdija Becomes First Israeli Player Selected for NBA All-Star Game

Deni Avdija was selected as an All-Star during his breakout season.

On Sunday night, the Portland Trail Blazers forward was named as a reserve in the Western Conference. He was among 14 reserves announced for the 2026 All-Star Game on Feb. 15 in Inglewood, California.

The first Israeli to be named an NBA All-Star is Avdija. The 25-year-old was born at the kibbutz of Beit Zera, which is located on the Sea of Galilee’s southern shore.

Nicknamed “Turbo,” Avdija is averaging career bests of 25.5 points and 6.7 assists along with 7.2 rebounds in 44 games. Along with Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, he is one of three players who average at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

“Proud of him. I know he cares about this team,” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said. “When you see a person like that succeeding, it’s truly special.”

This season, the 6-foot-8 Avdija has recorded three triple-doubles. He has scored 20 points or more 35 times and hit double figures in assists nine times. Avdija has helped steady the rebuilding Blazers through a series of injures. Prior to Sunday’s matchup with Cleveland, Portland was 23-26 and ranked ninth in the Western Conference.

Against the Cavaliers, Avdija missed his sixth game in the previous ten due to a bad back. He is the first player to be named an All-Star since Damian Lillard in 2023 and 17th in Blazers history.

After spending his first four years with the Washington Wizards, who selected him in the first round of the 2020 draft, Avdija is currently in his second season with the Blazers.

The U.S. vs. the World tournament format for this season’s All-Star showcase has three teams of at least eight players competing in round-robin games lasting 12 minutes.

The championship game will pit the top two teams against one another.

Avdija is set to join Dončić, Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama, among others, on the World team.