Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija says he is frustrated by criticism tied to his Israeli identity and wants to be evaluated solely on his performance on the court.
Avdija, who is enjoying a breakout NBA season, said online reaction to his success frequently turns hostile because of his nationality, according to an interview with The New York Times.
“You don’t have to love what I stand for or how I look, but if I’m a good player, give props,” Avdija said. “All this hate … for no reason. Like, I’m deciding things in the world.”
The 25-year-old said he does not feel an obligation to speak publicly about politics and resents being pulled into debates about the Middle East simply because he is Israeli.
“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics, because it’s not my job,” he said. “I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from.”
Avdija is averaging 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists, placing him among the league’s most productive all-around players. Only Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić are also averaging at least 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists this season.
As his role has expanded, Avdija said social media commentary often shifts away from basketball and toward criticism of Israel, particularly following strong performances or All-Star voting updates.
“Why can’t I just be a good basketball player?” he said. “Just respect me as a basketball player.”
Avdija said being far from home has made the criticism more difficult. Although he has grown comfortable living in the Portland area, he said his biggest personal challenge remains being away from Israel.
“I’m a proud Israeli, because that’s where I grew up,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Israel and the support the people and fans gave me.”
Avdija’s mental toughness, he said, was shaped during his youth with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he trained and competed against older professionals in a demanding environment that left little room for comfort.
That resilience has carried into his NBA career. After being traded from Washington to Portland last summer, Avdija initially struggled to find his role. Injuries to Portland’s guards later forced the team to rely on him as a primary ball handler, a shift that helped unlock his offensive game.
He has since become central to Portland’s attack, ranking among league leaders in points, assists and free throws made while helping the Blazers remain in the Western Conference play-in picture.
Avdija’s rise has drawn significant attention in Israel, where late-night and early-morning viewership of Portland games has increased. His popularity helped him finish fifth in Western Conference fan voting for the All-Star Game.
Despite the attention, Avdija said his focus remains narrow.
“All the extra stuff around it,” he said, “it’s just unnecessary.”