Deni Avdija’s All-Star Case: Fan Favorite, Stat Machine, and Portland’s Catalyst
PORTLAND - If the fans had the final say, Deni Avdija would be starting in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The Portland Trail Blazers forward pulled in over 2.2 million fan votes-fifth-most among Western Conference players. That’s no small feat, especially for a player who’s spent most of his career flying just under the national radar.
But in today’s All-Star selection process, fan support is just one piece of the puzzle. The final starting lineups are determined by a weighted vote: 50% from fans, 25% from current NBA players, and 25% from a media panel.
And while Avdija had the crowd behind him, the other two voting blocs weren’t quite as generous. He finished 10th in the player vote and ninth in the media vote, dropping his overall score below the threshold needed to crack the starting five.
Still, Avdija’s All-Star journey isn’t over. There’s a very real shot he’ll make the team as a reserve, with coaches set to announce their selections on February 1. And if he does get the nod, it’ll be well-earned.
Let’s talk numbers. Avdija is putting up 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season.
That’s elite company-only Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are matching those averages across the league, and both of them were named starters without hesitation. That kind of production, especially from a versatile forward, speaks volumes about Avdija’s evolution as a player.
But it’s not just about the box score. Avdija’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
He’s been the engine behind a Portland team that’s clawed its way to a 22-22 record and ninth place in the Western Conference. That might not sound like much on the surface, but context matters.
The Blazers have been battered by injuries all season long and were widely expected to be rebuilding. Instead, they’ve stayed competitive, and Avdija’s consistency and leadership have been central to that.
There’s also a new wrinkle to this year’s All-Star format. Instead of the traditional East vs.
West or team captain draft setup, the 2026 game will feature two U.S. teams and one international team in a round-robin tournament. Each roster will have at least eight players, and if Avdija is selected, he’d likely suit up for the World team.
That would be a fitting stage for a player who’s become one of the league’s most productive international stars.
So while the starting nod may have slipped through his fingers, Deni Avdija’s All-Star case is far from closed. The fans have spoken.
The numbers back him up. And with coaches making the next call, there’s still a strong chance we’ll see him in Indianapolis on February 15, competing with the game’s best-and showing why he belongs among them.