Deni Avdija’s historic selection to the NBA All-Star Game has been followed by a wave of online backlash after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly congratulated the Portland Trail Blazers forward.
Netanyahu’s message, posted shortly after Avdija was named an All-Star reserve, read: “Every time you step onto the court, our country shines with pride.”
While the post was intended as a tribute to the first Israeli player ever chosen for the NBA’s midseason showcase, it quickly became a focal point for criticism from anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian social media users.
Thousands of hostile responses followed, many centring on Avdija’s mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces and on Netanyahu himself, who is frequently labelled a “war criminal” by critics of Israel. Palestinian flags were prominently featured throughout the replies, alongside accusations directed at both the player and the NBA.
One widely shared post included a photograph of Avdija from his time in the IDF, accompanied by the message: “Deni, every time you step onto the court, I think about the child you killed in Gaza. Shame that you’re an All-Star.”
Another read: “The person selected for the All-Star Game is a war criminal, and he received a blessing from someone responsible for genocide. Well done, NBA.” Both posts accumulated thousands of likes and shares.
Other comments focused on the perceived political implications of the prime minister’s involvement. “Has Deni suddenly become a political figure?” one user asked, while another post that garnered roughly 14,000 likes stated, “This is probably the worst PR Avdija could have asked for.”
PM's blessing becomes Avdija's shadow
A separate tweet warned, “A personal blessing from Bibi will only cause him serious damage. Deni Avdija needs to understand that the support he received from the main perpetrator of genocide will follow him throughout his life and haunt him like a shadow.”
The 25-year-old Portland Trail Blazers forward is in the midst of the best season of his career, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
The controversy also spilled into international media coverage. Australia’s ABC published a profile on Avdija following the backlash, in which reporter Chris De Silva questioned Netanyahu’s decision to weigh in.
“Avdija is probably the best athlete in Israel, but the comments from the Israeli prime minister are a bit strange, considering he has not previously expressed interest in the NBA,” De Silva wrote.
The ABC article further highlighted a photograph of Avdija wearing an IDF uniform, which drew criticism amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
De Silva noted that the image was taken in April 2020, when Avdija was drafted under Israel’s compulsory military service law.
According to the report, Avdija initially postponed his enlistment due to his professional basketball career, later joining during the COVID-19 pandemic in a non-combat role. He was ultimately allowed to complete his service in North America under Israel’s “outstanding athlete” designation.
Avdija has not commented publicly on the reactions to Netanyahu’s message or on the broader backlash that followed his All-Star selection.