Deni Avdija's back cost the Portland Trail Blazers plenty during his breakout season.
And months later ... they're still treating it like something worth protecting.
Portland prevented Avdija from playing for Israel during this summer's 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with the All-Star revealing that the decision came as he continued dealing with the same back injury that disrupted his 2025-26 season.
Avdija wanted to play.
The Blazers weren't willing to risk it.
"I usually don't feel the need to explain myself, but this time it's important to me to say a few words," Avdija wrote in a statement on his Instagram story.
Avdija released the statement while addressing criticism over his absence from the Israeli national team. He pointed to his history of playing internationally through injuries and during summers when resting may have made more sense for his NBA career.
This summer presented a different situation.
"This time, I wanted to be there just as much," Avdija wrote. "But this summer I dealt with a complex back injury. An injury that those who haven't gone through it really can't understand what it demands, and the decision not to participate in this window wasn't one I made alone."
Then he explained Portland's role.
"Portland wasn't willing to take a risk with my health, and in the situation that arose, I simply didn't have the option to step up and play."
Avdija's back became an issue during the second half of last season.
He missed time in January with the injury before returning to the lineup. The problem followed him into February, when back trouble cost him additional games and remained a recurring presence on Portland's injury report.
Avdija still appeared in 66 games and produced the best season of his NBA career.
He averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists while earning his first All-Star selection. He started all 66 of his appearances and established himself as one of the central pieces of Portland's future.
That makes his health more than an offseason concern for the Blazers.
Portland is already preparing to begin the season without another major piece of its core. Shaedon Sharpe underwent surgery last week to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee and is expected to be reevaluated in six months.
Avdija also made clear that his absence from Israel's qualifying games shouldn't be interpreted as a lack of commitment.
"One thing I'm not willing to have questioned is my commitment to the national team and my country," Avdija wrote. "I think I've proven it time and again with actions."
His priorities now start with getting healthy.
"There's nothing I want more than to be healthy, get back on the court, and wear Israel's shirt again."
Portland has plenty riding on the first two items on that list.
Avdija emerged as an All-Star while battling a back problem that lingered through part of last season and into the summer. With Sharpe already facing a lengthy rehabilitation, Portland's decision offered another reminder of just how important keeping Avdija healthy has become.
The Blazers were willing to make the decision for him this time.
They'll need his back to cooperate once the games start counting.
