Deni Avdija Makes History with First All-Star Nod, Shines as Trail Blazers' Breakout Star
Deni Avdija is having the kind of season that doesn’t just turn heads - it rewrites narratives. In his first year with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 6-foot-9 forward has emerged as the team’s offensive engine, leading the Blazers in both points (25.2) and assists (6.6) per game. Now, that breakout campaign has been officially recognized: Avdija is an NBA All-Star.
On February 1, Avdija was named one of the seven reserves representing the Western Conference in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. But this isn’t just another rising star getting his flowers - it’s a historic moment. Avdija becomes the first Israeli player ever selected to the All-Star Game, a milestone that resonates far beyond the court.
This year’s All-Star Game will feature a new round-robin format, and Avdija will suit up for Team World. Over the weekend, images surfaced on social media showing him proudly holding his All-Star jersey alongside the Israeli flag - a powerful visual that underscores how far he’s come and who he’s playing for.
The NBA shared a behind-the-scenes look at Avdija’s reaction when he first saw his All-Star jersey. His words were simple, but they carried weight:
**"Dream come true. You work hard, you sacrifice, and you're being patient - and good things happen.
With the flag, Team World is nice." **
It’s a moment that reflects not just personal achievement, but national pride.
Heading into the All-Star break, Portland sits at 27-29 - ninth in the Western Conference. While injuries have kept the Blazers from being serious contenders this season, Avdija has been the steady hand keeping them in the play-in mix. His versatility, playmaking, and confidence in big moments have turned him into a cornerstone for a team still figuring out its identity.
During All-Star media day on Saturday, Avdija spoke candidly about what the honor means to him - and to his country.
"I'm happy to represent the country on the biggest stage," he said in Hebrew, according to Ynetnews. "You walk into the room and see the shirt with your name and the flag - it's very emotional, especially for a player who has come a long way to reach this moment."
He also had a heartfelt message for fans back home, many of whom have stayed up through the night to watch him play:
**"First of all, thank you for waking up and sacrificing your sleep.
I know it's not easy. So many of you voted for me and follow me - I feel like I'm playing together with the people of Israel on the court."
**
Avdija’s road to All-Star status wasn’t without surprises. In the early rounds of fan voting, he ranked seventh - ahead of perennial names like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
That raised eyebrows across the league. In the final fan vote, he climbed to fifth overall, though he ultimately missed out on a starting spot after finishing seventh in the combined tally, which factors in fan (50%), player (25%), and media (25%) votes.
Still, the message is clear: Avdija has arrived. And he’s not just a fan favorite - he’s earned the respect of players, coaches, and analysts alike. His All-Star selection isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a sign that Portland may have found its next franchise player, and that international basketball continues to leave its mark on the NBA’s biggest stages.
For Deni Avdija, this All-Star appearance is more than a recognition of stats - it's a celebration of perseverance, identity, and the power of representation.