Portland, Oregon

Blue-and-white in Brooklyn: Avdija, Saraf shine during historic night for Israeli hoops

Thousands of Israeli and Jewish fans packed the arena in Brooklyn, turning it into a sea of blue and white, as three Israelis shared the same NBA court for the very first time.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
BROOKLYN NETS rookie guard Ben Saraf drives for a layup against fellow Israeli Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers during their teams’ duel in New York.
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.

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. 

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS forward Deni Avdija, the first Israeli selected to the NBA All-Star Game, has found his historic achievement followed by online backlash after a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Deni Avdija drawn into political storm after Netanyahu’s All-Star praise

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.”

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Why Deni Avdija’s All-Star moment feels bigger than basketball in Israel - analysis

“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics, because it’s not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from,” he said in an interview last month in The New York Times.

|ByHERB KEINON

NBA star Deni Avdija becomes first Israeli chosen for All-Star game

More fans voted for the Israeli than for LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and many others.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 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.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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.

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.

JANUARY 11, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER
Deni Avdija

Federal agents shoot two people in Portland, FBI launches investigation

An ABC News affiliate reported that agents involved in the shooting were US Customs and Border Protection agents and that the FBI was leading the probe.

JANUARY 9, 2026ByREUTERS, LARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
People gather for a vigil for Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, near City Hall on January 7, 2026 in Portland, Oregon; illustrative.

Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija scores 34 as Blazers extend Pelicans' misery

Avdija buoyed the Blazers for much of the first half, having scored almost half of Portland's points deep into the second quarter.

JANUARY 3, 2026ByREUTERS
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) during the first half at Smoothie King Center, Jan 2, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Trump troop deployments to US cities have cost more than $340 million, senator says

Senator Tammy Duckworth's office said she had received the cost estimates from the Trump administration.

DECEMBER 12, 2025ByREUTERS
National Guard members stand together behind yellow tape, after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 26, 2025.

Avdija shines as Wolf and Saraf lift Nets in breakout night for Israeli NBA talent

Avdija powered Portland to a key win as Wolf and Saraf helped Brooklyn notch back-to-back victories.

DECEMBER 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Brooklyn Nets' Danny Wolf, December 5, 2025.

Pentagon to withdraw National Guard from Chicago, Portland after Trump deployment - NYT

NYT reported that 200 California National Guard troops who were sent to Portland and 200 Texas National Guard members who were sent to Chicago would return to their home states as soon as Sunday.

NOVEMBER 16, 2025ByREUTERS
Federal agents clash with anti-ICE protesters at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on October 12, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

Avdija’s All-Star dream: New format could open door for Israel's rising star

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% fr

NOVEMBER 12, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAELI FORWARD Deni Avdija is playing at an All-Star level for the Portland Trail Blazers through 10 games.