The emerging status of Deni Avdija as an NBA star received an official stamp on Sunday night, when the Portland Trail Blazers forward was selected for the All‑Star Game for the first time in his career, becoming the first Israeli to earn this honor. Avdija was named one of 14 reserves for the marquee event, set for February 15 in Los Angeles. He will take part in one of the world’s most prestigious and high-profile sporting events, scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles.
This marks the first All‑Star selection in Avdija’s six‑year career, and it is also a significant milestone for Portland: he is the first Trail Blazer to be named an All‑Star since Damian Lillard in 2023. Although the Israeli did not play last night in Portland’s game against Cleveland due to a back injury, he was the most talked‑about figure in the arena.
“It was great to hear that I’m an All‑Star with my teammates,” Avdija said a few hours after the announcement. “I couldn’t have done this without them and without the coaches and staff supporting me this season. We have a long season ahead, and we need to focus on it and see how we can improve as a team. This is undoubtedly an amazing personal achievement, and I hope I’ll have more achievements ahead.”
Avdija didn’t secure an automatic spot in the All-Star starting lineup, finishing seventh in the Western Conference in the combined voting of fans, players, and media. However, he was selected as one of the seven Western Conference reserves, a decision made by the NBA’s 30 head coaches.
“I’m proud to be an All‑Star,” he continued. “I remember the whole journey I’ve been through. I wasn’t in the easiest situations during my career. I started playing basketball with no dream, and I let the game take me forward. It’s hard to believe I’m able to achieve one thing after another — it really moves me.” After the selection was announced, Avdija posted a childhood photo of himself with his parents, writing: “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Avdija has been playing at an exceptional level this season and has become one of the cornerstones of the Blazers’ rebuilding process. He is averaging an impressive 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game — and is one of only three players in the league alongside Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić to average at least 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists this season.
“I’m happy to represent Portland in the All‑Star Game because this organization gave me a chance and let me be myself,” he explained. “To represent the city and the Trail Blazers is a blessing. Now our focus is on team achievements — I want to put Portland on the map, make the playoffs and I hope to win a championship.”
'A stamp that he’s an NBA star'
U.S. media also weighed in on Avdija’s first career All‑Star selection.
“When you watch Deni, he’s a big guard who knows how to play,” legendary former star Carmelo Anthony said during the announcement of All‑Star Game reserves. “He came to the NBA at a young age, and he found his place, his rhythm and his confidence. He is the reason we keep talking about Portland.”
The Athletic wrote about Avdija’s selection: “This has been a breakout year for him, and Washington is already regretting the trade. He’s making the league’s average salary and putting up numbers that only Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić reach. He has had to take on a lot. When he’s on the court, Portland’s offense is in the top 10 in the league. When he’s on the bench, it’s among the worst.”
The Oregonian noted that “Deni plays with an energetic, fearless style and contributes in every aspect of the game. That ability has been critical for Portland in a season full of injuries. His selection is a stamp that he’s an NBA star.”
Omri Casspi, 1st Israeli to play in NBA: 'Tremendous pride'
Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA and Avdija’s former teammate at Maccabi Tel Aviv, congratulated him on X: “Deni, tremendous pride. Seeing the journey you’ve made, the hard work and dedication — you deserve this. Enjoy every moment on this stage. You’re living proof that the sky’s the limit. And this is just the beginning.”
Amos Frishman, chairman of the Israel Basketball Association, praised the moment: “A night of immense pride for Israeli basketball. Deni Avdija continues to break through glass ceilings. His incredible NBA season is yet more proof that with hard work, anything is possible.”
“Deni is a true ambassador for Israeli basketball and the State of Israel,” Frishman added, “and today he stands alongside the very best in the world as an NBA All-Star.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club where Avdija played before entering the NBA, posted simply: “We always knew he was a star.”