Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija climbs in new rankings, earns high praise

The Portland star ranks 24th on Bleacher Report’s NBA list and rises from 76th to 27th in CBS’s rankings: “He could become one of the best in the league.” Full rankings inside.

|ByWALLA! SPORTS
Avdija rises in the rankings.
Domantas Sabonis and Deni Avdija.

Jewish guide to the 2026-27 NBA season

Fresh off becoming the first Israeli All-Star basketball player in NBA history, Deni Avdija leads a growing cohort of Jewish and Israeli players taking the court in the upcoming season.

|ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
SHAHAR AMIR returns to Hapoel Holon after a breakout season with Hapoel Galil Elyon, looking to build on his progress and help the Purples make a strong start to the new Israeli league campaign.

Back home in Holon, Shahar Amir looks to take next step in basketball, life - interview

Shahar Amir returns to Hapoel Holon following a breakout season with Galil Elyon, reflecting on personal milestones, the loss of Raz Adam, and his hopes for the future.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Deni, the new Persian leopard at Ramat Gan Safari.

The Persian leopard named after the NBA star arrives at the Safari

A Persian leopard named Deni, after Deni Avdija, arrived at the Ramat Gan Safari to mate with Noa as part of a European breeding program.

|ByMOSHE COHEN

Avdija back in Holy Land after impressive sophomore season with Wizards

In the offseason, Avdija will work on a number of areas of his game to continue to improve his on-court skills.

APRIL 26, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DENI AVDIJA demonstrated his value in his second season in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, with the 21-year-old Israeli swingman playing in all 82 games.

Deni Avdija draws Stars of David on his sneakers as violence surges in Israel

After multiple violent attacks in Israel in the past week, Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija used his platform to express support for his home country.

APRIL 1, 2022ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
THE WASHINGTON WIZARDS face a roster crunch with players back from injury and there are several teams said to covet second-year Israeli Deni Avdija.

What’s in the cards for Deni Avdija?

With fluctuating minutes and a trade deadline near, the Washington Wizards may have an Israeli sophomore on the market.

JANUARY 20, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
THE WASHINGTON WIZARDS face a roster crunch with players back from injury and there are several teams said to covet second-year Israeli Deni Avdija.

The Deni effect in Deni Avidija's NBA career - comment

Depending on his longevity, Avdija has a chance to become an unofficial ambassador for Israel, similar to the likes of Gal Gadot.

NOVEMBER 21, 2021ByGABRIEL TURNER
WASHINGTON WIZARDS forward Deni Avdija goes for a layup against the Toronto Raptors.

New season, new goals for Deni Avdija

Back from injury for the Washington Wizards, Israeli sophomore preaches patience and growth.

OCTOBER 21, 2021ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DENI AVDIJA (left) defends against Toronto Raptors’ guard Dalano Banton during the Washington Wizards’ season opener late Wednesday night. The Israeli forward had eight points and seven rebounds in the Wizards’ 98-83 victory.

Wizards' Deni Avdija reportedly out for season with broken ankle

Avdija will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday but is not believed to need surgery, according to the report.

APRIL 22, 2021ByREUTERS
Apr 21, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) is assisted by Wizards center Jordan Bell (7) after being injured against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at Capital One Arena.

Deni Avdija navigating the learning curve

Israeli rookie exhibits positive perspective on highs and lows of 1st season with Washington Wizards

APRIL 16, 2021ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DENI AVDIJA is averaging 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 23.5 minutes in 50 games played so far in his NBA rookie season with the Washington Wizards.

Subpar Euroleague campaign for Maccabi Tel Aviv

With high hopes after last year’s condensed continental success, yellow-and-blue falls flat.

APRIL 8, 2021ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
vWHILE SCOTTIE WILBEKIN (center) and Maccabi Tel Aviv provided some Euroleague highlights this season, the overall results fell well short of expectations.

Avdija wears special message on sneakers for Holocaust Remembrance Day

Avdija came in to the court wearing black and wrote the word "Yizkor" - which means "remember" - on his sneakers.

APRIL 8, 2021ByIDAN ZONSHINE
Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija

Avdija and Wizards fall to Knicks at MSG

Israeli rookie scores 14 points in first performance at iconic New York arena, but fouls out

MARCH 24, 2021ByHOWARD BLAS
WASHINGTON WIZARDS Israeli rookie Deni Avdija (right) defends New York Knicks forward Julius Randle, who scored a game-high 37 points for the host Knicks in a 131-113 victory over the Wizards on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.