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Deni Avdija says Portland would not clear him to play in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
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- Deni Avdija says Portland would not clear him to play in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
More than 30 NBA players have suited up for their nations this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying matches, including about two dozen in Europe alone (a tough region to qualify from). Victor Wembanyama has put on a show , but there is also Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Rudy Gobert (France), Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Dennis Schröder (Germany) and many more.
Deni Avdija is not one of them.
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Israel's best player said in a social media post that the Trail Blazers had not cleared him, via Aris Barkas of Eurohoops . In January, Avdija missed time with back tightness, and when he tried to return in February, he injured it again. He missed 16 of the Trail Blazers' 24 games through that stretch. While he did return for the team's final 18 games after the All-Star break, his minutes, scoring numbers and efficiency all dipped slightly as he still dealt with the lingering issue.
"I usually don't feel the need to explain myself, but this time it's important to me to say a few words. Anyone who knows me and my way with the Israeli national team knows what this shirt means to me. I came to the team when I was in pain. I came when I wasn't at 100%. I came during summers when maybe the 'right' thing for my personal career was to rest. I came even when I was facing a contract year, a time when any injury could change a career...
"This time, I wanted to be there just as much. 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. 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.
"I understand disappointment. I understand criticism. When you represent a country, and there are expectations of you, that's part of it, and I accept that. But one thing I'm not willing to have questioned is my commitment to the national team and my country. I don't need to tell you how much I care. I think I've proven it time and again with actions. There's nothing I want more than to be healthy, get back on the court, and wear Israel's shirt again. And until then, even when I can't be on the floor, my heart is there."
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What Portland has done here is fairly common. Giannis Antetokounmpo and many others have faced it, the demands of a marathon NBA season on top of national team commitments in the summer will wear any player down. Throw in an injury, and it's not surprising we're here.
That said, Israel is struggling in World Cup qualifying, going 2-6 through eight games, with recent losses to Poland and Latvia, and now needs wins in future games to get in the door. Not having their star player for those losses has understandably frustrated fans, but it's out of Avdija's hands.
