Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija told The Athletic in a lengthy profile published Jan. 21 that his biggest challenge this season isn’t on the court, but in how people react to his being Israeli.
The 25-year-old Beit Zera native is having a breakout season in the Pacific Northwest, making a strong bid to become the first Israeli to play in an NBA All-Star Game. But in his interview with the New York Times–owned sports outlet, Avdija was candid about the challenges he faces away from the game he loves.
Deni Avdija says he’s fed up with the hate he receives for being from Israel, calls out the lack of education on the topic, and demands respect, saying those outside the Middle East shouldn’t speak on it
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 21, 2026
“You don’t have to love what I stand for or how I look, but if I’m a good… pic.twitter.com/8jEwg20AV0
“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics—it’s not my job,” Avdija told The Athletic senior writer Jason Quick. “I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from. It’s frustrating to see all the hate. Like, I have a good game or get All-Star votes, and all the comments are people connecting me to politics. Why can’t I just be a good basketball player? Why does it matter if I’m from Israel, or wherever in the world, or what my race is? Just respect me as a basketball player.”
Avdija continued: “You don’t have to love what I stand for or how I look, but if I’m a good player, give props. All this hate—for no reason. Like I’m deciding things in the world.”
The Athletic just confirmed what fans already know - Deni Avdija = Israel’s basketball G.O.A.T.
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) January 21, 2026
Deni is having a true breakout season, emerging as one of the @NBA's rising stars and earning his first All-Star nod, with over 2.2 million fan votes.
He continues to lead… pic.twitter.com/jmW1YQeZFu
“I’ll be honest: What do people expect me to do? This is my country—where I was born, where I grew up. I love my country; there are a lot of great things about it. But obviously, not everyone is educated and knows what’s going on, and that’s what pisses me off. Because if you are educated and know what’s going on, it’s fine to say what you think and say who you think is right or wrong. But if you are not educated, if you are not part of the Middle East and don’t understand how long this goes back and the consequences and everything—just don’t say anything.
“I’m from there, and I respect my country and I stand behind it. I’m a proud Israeli, because that’s where I grew up. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Israel and the support its people and fans gave me. But all the extra stuff around it? It’s just unnecessary.”
