Deni Avdija

Spike Lee says pro-Palestinian NBA All-Star Game outfit not meant as dig against Deni Avdija

Lee wore a keffiyeh-patterned sweater and a bag strap with Palestinian flag badges. Critics claimed he specifically chose the outfit because of the presence of Israel's first All-Star Game player.

Spike Lee at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game held at the Intuit Dome on Feb. 15, 2026 in Los Angeles.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Spike Lee and John Tesh watch during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.

Spike Lee, Kyrie Irving wear pro-Palestinian outfits to NBA All-Star Game featuring Israeli player

Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) at Moda Center, Feb 20, 2025.

'I heard great things': LeBron James faces backlash after praising Deni Avdija, Israel

Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in game four against Team Stars during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.

The backlash to Lebron James' praise of Israel is jarring, but predictable - comment


Israeli basketball star Deni Avdija makes history at the NBA All-Star Game

"It's a dream come true," Avdija said before the tournament, holding his Team World uniform with the Israeli flag and his number 8. 

Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Team USA Stripes shoots against Deni Avdija #8 of the Toronto Raptors and Team World during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

Maccabi Tel Aviv to auction NBA All-Star Deni Avdija’s final game-worn jersey

The auction will open Thursday at 5 p.m. Israel time on the club’s official online store, with bidding set to close Sunday at 6 p.m., hours before Avdija's NBA All-Star game.

NBA star and former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Deni Avdija's signed shirt.

Iran’s supreme leader tells Eretz Nehederet he’s bored of bingeing TV in his bunker

Eretz Nehederet shifted focus from Trump to a bunker-bound Khamenei, mocking Iran-US tensions, Israeli defense systems, and domestic politics amid mounting war anxiety.

Eretz Nehederet parodies Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, February 4, 2026.

Deni Avdija first Israeli to be an NBA All-Star, Gaza hospital director revealed as Hamas colonel

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

Feb 29, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8)drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

Israel’s basketball powerhouse: Deni Avdija’s meteoric rise to NBA stardom

Deni Avdija has become the fulcrum of Portland’s offense and one of the most productive two-way forwards in the league.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS forward Deni Avdija (8) scores a basket during the first half against Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

Avdija nets 30 in winning return for Blazers

Deni Avdija returned from injury with a dominant 30-point performance, leading Portland to a 117-110 win over Sacramento, as the Blazers extended their win streak to three.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija drives past the Sacramento Kings’ Precious Achiuwa during the Blazers’ 117-110 victory over the host Kings.

Deni Avdija nears Portland Trailblazers NBA return following injury

Portland forward Deni Avdija is close to returning after missing one game with lower-back soreness, as his strong season keeps him in the All-Star conversation.

IN HIS sixth NBA season, Israeli forward has taken a big leap with the Portland Trail Blazers and is favored to make his first All-Star Game.

Domino’s Israel teams up with Deni Avdija’s TURBO to add protein ice cream to menu

Three flavors will be sold in most branches and via delivery nationwide, the company said, as part of a push to pair indulgence with balanced nutrition.

Domino’s Israel teams up with Deni Avdija’s TURBO to add protein ice cream to menu

Did Washington move too soon on Avdija? Former manager Tommy Sheppard offers an answer - interview

Avdija’s first season highlighted the difficulty. An ankle injury limited him to 54 games, and according to Sheppard, that period tested his character.

Deni Avdija

Avdija leads, Portland believes: Triple-double and turning point in road victory over Spurs

“I think we’re improving at closing games,” Avdija explained. “Everyone is disciplined defensively, helping each other. We don’t leave anyone alone, and we go get wins together.”

 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Israeli forward Deni Avdija drives past San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet for two of his game-high 29 points – to go along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists – in the Blazers’ 115-110 road victory over the Spurs. (Daniel Dunn/Imagn Images)