Deni Avdija’s sensational start to the NBA season has put him firmly in the All-Star conversation – and with a brand-new format unveiled by the league, the Israeli forward’s chances of making history may have just gotten a boost.
Through 10 games with the Portland Trail Blazers, Avdija has been playing at an All-Star level, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 47% shooting from the field and 37% from three-point range. The 24-year-old forward has become a focal point of Portland’s offense and has developed into one of the NBA’s most versatile scorers and playmakers.
Acquired from the Washington Wizards ahead of last season, Avdija’s leap in production has been striking, up nearly nine points and two assists per game compared to last year, and his consistency has drawn praise across the league. His blend of size, control, and creativity has helped the Blazers evolve from a rebuilding team into a legitimate Western Conference contender.
“He’s making a strong case,” said Blazers teammate Duop Reath. “Everybody knows how good a player he is, but now the rest of the league is really starting to see it.”
Avdija’s rise comes at a time when the NBA is reimagining its All-Star Game. The league announced that the 2026 All-Star Weekend, set for Inglewood, California, will debut a new format featuring two US teams and one World team – a nod to the growing influence of international players in the league. Each squad will include at least eight players and compete in a round-robin of 12-minute games before a final matchup between the top two teams.
Under the new system, the usual 24 All-Stars will still be chosen – 12 from each conference – with fans accounting for 50% of the vote, players 25%, and media another 25%. Coaches will then select the reserves. Once the selections are complete, commissioner Adam Silver will ensure that each side meets the quota: 16 Americans and eight international players. If the balance isn’t met, Silver will add players as needed.
For Avdija, this means the path to becoming Israel’s first-ever NBA All-Star remains highly competitive. He could earn a spot as one of the Western Conference’s 12 selections or benefit from Silver’s adjustments if fewer than eight international players make the cut. Either way, his performance has already forced the league – and fans – to take notice.
International MVPs show trend of increasing global influence
The NBA’s renewed structure underscores its international reach. Each of the past seven MVPs has been a foreign-born player – Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, Nikola Jokic of Serbia, Joel Embiid of Cameroon, and Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – and Avdija’s emergence in Portland further reflects that global trend.
With the Blazers sitting at .500 after ten games and showing resilience against some of the NBA’s toughest opponents, Avdija has been at the heart of their success. His explosive drives, improved shooting, and growing leadership have made him indispensable to coach Tiago Splitter’s fast-paced, pressure-heavy system.
Whether his remarkable start will translate into an All-Star selection remains to be seen, but for the first time, Israeli basketball has a player legitimately in the running. If Avdija keeps up his torrid pace, he won’t just make history – he could do it under a format designed to celebrate exactly what he represents: the NBA’s global future.