Full Breakdown
Deni Avdija’s Back Injury Keeps Him From the Israeli National Team
9/7/2026, 11:09:17 PM
Core Event: Injury Blocks Summer National Team Participation
During the August World Cup qualifying window, the Israeli Basketball Association announced that Deni Avdija would not join the squad because the Portland Trail Blazers declined to clear him. As a result, Avdija missed the window that concluded in early August.
Background & Context: Avdija’s Role and Recent Performance
Avdija entered the 2025-26 NBA season as the Portland Trail Blazers’ first All-Star since Damian Lillard, marking a breakout year. The season’s second half, however, was marred by a lingering lower-back problem that limited his availability and production. The injury also influenced the Blazers’ decision not to permit his participation in a non-World-Cup year, according to insider Sean Highkin’s September 1, 2026 tweet.
Data & Statistics: Shooting Decline After All-Star Break
The Ripcityproject analysis notes that Avdija’s three-point efficiency dropped from 34.6 % over 46 games before the All-Star break to 23.5 % in the 20 games that followed. Despite the dip, he maintained overall contributions by attacking the paint and drawing fouls.
Official Statements & Responses
Avdija addressed the criticism on Instagram, emphasizing his desire to represent Israel and the constraints imposed by his injury and the Blazers’ medical staff. Motti Daniel reiterated that the back injury required caution, and Portland’s medical team ultimately vetoed his national-team participation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I usually don't feel the need to explain myself, but this time it is important to me to say a few words,” — Deni Avdija
- “This time, I wanted to be there just as much. But this summer I dealt with a complex back injury. An injury that those who haven't gone through it really can't understand what it demands, and the decision not to participate in this window wasn't one I made alone,” — Deni Avdija
