Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward Deni Avdija opened up about not playing for Israel in the crucial FIBA World Cup Qualifier games over the past week.
Deni Avdija explained in a lengthy social media post that he was forced to miss these games due to a complex back injury, and that the Trail Blazers also heavily influenced the decision. He stated that he did not have the option to step up and play.
Deni Avdija on the Israeli national team controversy, during which he, among other things, faced criticism for his absence from the last window of games (World Cup qualifiers).
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) August 31, 2026
He posted a statement on Instagram giving his side of the story about an hour ago (translation from… pic.twitter.com/DIL7HY7asS
Deni Avdija’s message
“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. 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 wrote in a social media post.
Career year in Portland
Deni Avdija played the best season of his career with Portland.
For the first time in his career, he played in the NBA All-Star game while leading the Trail Blazers to the playoffs after the team had missed them for four consecutive years prior. He averaged 24.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
With the national team, Avdija had a very good run in the 2025 EuroBasket, where he led Israel to the Round of 16 while putting up an elite 24 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
Israel out of the World Cup
Even though four games remain in the qualifiers, Israel has already lost all chance of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
With two wins and six losses, they sit in last place in Group K, where the top three teams already have 7 wins each, meaning Israel cannot finish in the top three.
Israel lost convincingly in both games during the last window, falling to Poland 106–86 and Latvia 85–70.
