“The Israeli Trailblazer”

Chosen for turning Israeli basketball into a global symbol of excellence, resilience and pride: Deni Avdija is no longer simply an Israeli playing in the NBA. In 2026, he became the first Israeli ever selected to the NBA All-Star Game, breaking a barrier no Israeli basketball player had ever broken before.

And this was only the beginning. Avdija followed that historic All-Star selection by becoming the first Israeli to reach the NBA playoffs. In Portland's decisive play-in victory over Phoenix, he exploded for 41 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds, including the game-winning three-point play that sent the Trail Blazers into the postseason.

But Deni's significance goes far beyond statistics. As an openly Jewish and proudly Israeli athlete competing on one of the world's biggest sporting stages, Avdija has refused to hide who he is, even as he has faced antisemitism and political attacks surrounding his identity. In May, he spoke openly about experiencing antisemitism while making clear that he remains proud to represent Israel and its people.

I feel the antisemitism, but I'm proud to represent the people of Israel.

Deni Avdija, May

And that makes his success mean something far greater than basketball. For young Israelis dreaming of becoming professional athletes, Deni is living proof that the ceiling is not where people tell you it is. He grew up in a small Israeli kibbutz, worked his way through Israeli basketball, crossed the ocean, and ultimately became an NBA All-Star, while carrying his Israeli and Jewish identity with him every step of the way.

Deni Avdija isn't just proud to be Jewish. He isn't just proud to be Israeli. We are proud of him.

That is why Deni Avdija is No. 14 on The 36.