A moment of national pride was recorded Sunday night, as Deni Avdija became the first Israeli player ever selected for the NBA All‑Star Game. While Israel celebrated the extraordinary achievement, there was significant disappointment in Turkey — where Alperen Şengün, once considered a near‑certainty to be included in the All‑Star roster at the start of the season, was left off the list.
Many Turkish fans struggled to accept the outcome, unable to understand how the Houston star was excluded from the 14 reserves chosen by the coaches. Şengün, who carried his national team to the EuroBasket final last summer, was widely regarded in Turkey as a natural All‑Star pick, and the decision sparked a wave of angry reactions on social media.
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Deni Avdija is the first Israeli player ever selected for the NBA All‑Star Game
(Photo: Amanda Loman/AP)
Some of the responses were directed at Avdija himself and included insults and antisemitic remarks, especially on the X social media platform. Among other things, offensive comments claimed that his selection was unjustified, using racist language and personal slurs.
“If antisemitism is going to rise again, it will happen today. If that racist bastard doesn’t get a big Coke thrown on his head on the court, then it will be a disgrace to humanity,” one user wrote in response to Avdija’s selection for the prestigious game.
“A Jew who steals things — why am I not surprised?” wrote another user, referring to the fact that Şengün did not make the roster. “He’s a lazy piece of work — how did he get passed up before Alperen?” Another commenter added: “How is Avdija an All‑Star and Şengün is not? Alperen is Houston’s second star, one of the best teams in the NBA, ranked fourth in the West.”
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Turkish NBA player Alperen Şengün, center for the Houston Rockets
(Photo: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)
Even outside Turkey there were critics of the decision to leave Şengün off the roster. Rockets forward Tari Eason posted a “no” GIF in response to an Instagram post, signaling disagreement with the choice not to select the Turkish player.
Professionally, however, Avdija’s selection is widely considered entirely justified. The Israeli forward is averaging an impressive 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game this season, solidifying his status as a bona fide NBA star. By comparison, the Turkish center has posted a stat line of 21 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists this season.