Imagine a basketball player breaking barriers, making history, and sparking global conversations—all while sinking three-pointers. That’s Deni Avdija, the first Israeli player to ever earn an NBA All-Star nod, and his journey is anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets controversial... While his on-court achievements are undeniable, his connection to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has thrust him into a heated debate that transcends sports. Let’s dive into the story of this trailblazing athlete, his record-breaking season, and the polarizing discussions he’s inadvertently ignited.
Every year, the NBA All-Star team announcement becomes a hotbed of debate among fans, players, and analysts alike. The process is straightforward yet intricate: twelve players from each conference are selected, with five starters chosen through a combination of fan, player, and media votes. The remaining seven spots are filled by coaches, who can pick two guards, three frontcourt players, and two wildcards. This year, however, the spotlight shone brightly on Portland’s Deni Avdija, who etched his name in history as Israel’s first-ever NBA All-Star. Among six first-timers in this year’s game, Avdija even received a rare shout-out from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—a move that raised eyebrows, given Netanyahu’s previous silence on NBA matters.
And this is the part most people miss... While Avdija’s achievement is monumental, Israel’s presence in the NBA has been minimal. He’s one of only three Israeli players in the league, alongside Brooklyn’s Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. Before Avdija, Omri Casspi was the most recognizable Israeli NBA player, playing for seven teams over a decade-long career. But Avdija’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. This season, he’s shattered his own records, averaging 25.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 9.5 free throws per game—career highs across the board. No wonder he’s a frontrunner for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Avdija’s emotional reaction to his All-Star selection spoke volumes. ‘I’m proud,’ he said, reflecting on his journey. ‘I started playing basketball without a dream. To accomplish so much, it’s just emotional.’ At 25, he’s been the linchpin for a Portland team that’s defied expectations all season, fighting for a spot in the Play-In tournament. But his success isn’t just about stats—it’s about representation and breaking new ground for Israeli athletes.
Now, here’s where it gets complicated... As Avdija’s star has risen, so has scrutiny of his past. A 2020 photo of him in an IDF uniform resurfaced, sparking backlash from a segment of basketball fans. In Israel, military service is mandatory, and Avdija enlisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving in a non-combat role while allowed to complete his service in North America as an ‘Exceptional Athlete.’ ‘I’m happy and proud to join the IDF, just like every other citizen,’ he said at the time. But in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this connection has made him a target of criticism. In 2025, a UN investigation found Israel guilty of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, further fueling the controversy.
Online, Avdija has faced harsh attacks, with tweets labeling him a ‘baby killer IDF terrorist.’ In a candid interview with The Athletic, he addressed the backlash: ‘I’m an athlete, not a politician. I stand for my country, but why can’t I just be a good basketball player? Why does my nationality or race matter? Just respect me for my game.’ Yet, Avdija hasn’t shied away from expressing solidarity with Israel, such as when he wore the Hebrew phrase ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ (The people of Israel live) on his shoes in 2022 after Palestinian attacks.
Does Avdija deserve his All-Star spot? Statistically, it’s hard to argue against him. He’s one of only three players (alongside Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić) averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists this season. He’s also the first Portland player since Clyde Drexler in 1991-92 to achieve such numbers. Yet, some fans argue that players like Kawhi Leonard, who averaged 27.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, were snubbed. Others question LeBron James’ inclusion, given his declining stats and limited games played this season.
Avdija’s All-Star debut also coincides with the NBA’s new USA vs. the World format, where he’ll join Team World alongside stars like Jokić, Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But as he steps onto that court, the question remains: Can we separate the athlete from the politics? Or is that even fair to ask?
What do you think? Does Avdija’s IDF connection overshadow his athletic achievements? Should athletes be judged solely on their performance, or is their personal background always part of the conversation? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
