Deni Avdija has become a standout in the NBA, and is by far Israel's best player. But the Portland Trail Blazers didn't let him play with his team this summer.
Avdija had a breakout season with the Trail Blazers, earning his first All-Star nomination and leading the team to their first playoff appearance in five years.
After a disappointing first-round exit against eventual finalists San Antonio Spurs, Avdija geared up to join the Israeli national team ahead of their first round of FIBA World Cup qualifying games.
Photo by Nicholas Muller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In a lengthy post on his Instagram Story , Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija explained why he did not take part in Israel's FIBA WC qualifiers this summer.
Among a great many reasons, Avdija blamed the Portland Trail Blazers for shutting the door on him and not allowing him to wear the Israeli jersey, which he claimed he wanted to do more than anything else.
"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.
"I never looked for an excuse not to show up. On the contrary. As long as I could wear Israel's shirt and step onto the court, I was there.
"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."
Avdija last represented Israel during the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, when they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
Given that Avdija makes far more from his Portland Trail Blazers contract ($25 million over the next two years to be precise), they have more authority over his status than the Israeli national team.
It's unlikely that Avdija will be able to join Israel for the next round of qualifiers in November, given that the NBA season will be in full swing by then.
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