Deni Avdija: How Blazers’ All-Star Found Confidence & Unleashed Potential

Deni Avdija’s All-Star Ascent: From Doubt to Dominance with the Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija was named a reserve for the Western Conference All-Star team on Sunday, February 1, 2026, a remarkable turn for a player who, just 19 months prior, was considered a potential trade asset rather than a cornerstone. The selection caps a breakout season for the 23-year-old Israeli, a journey fueled by self-belief and a willingness to embrace coaching, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Avdija’s path to All-Star status wasn’t linear. Drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2020, he initially struggled to find consistent footing. He entered the NBA with high expectations, but found himself in a situation where a short leash and the presence of established stars limited his opportunities. He questioned whether he truly belonged in the league, a sentiment he openly shared. “It was like, ‘Do I really belong here? Am I really going to be the basketball player I think I can become?’” Avdija said.

The turning point, according to Portland Trail Blazers head of player development Gilbert Abraham, wasn’t necessarily a tactical adjustment, but a shift in Avdija’s internal wiring. An incident during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 2nd illustrated this. After a pair of careless passes led to turnovers and a Zion Williamson layup, Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter called a timeout. Abraham confronted Avdija, delivering a pointed critique of his effort. Avdija initially pushed back, prompting Abraham to review game film with him. The result was a moment of self-reflection for Avdija, who later sought out Abraham after the 122-109 win to express his gratitude. “He hugged me and said, ‘Thanks for coaching me,’” Abraham recalled. “In my experience, most players don’t allow coaches to coach them as hard as we coach Deni. And he doesn’t just accept it. He wants it.”

That willingness to be coached, coupled with a renewed sense of self-belief, unlocked Avdija’s potential. The Trail Blazers, who acquired him from the Wizards on draft night in 2024, saw something special. The trade, while initially questioned by some, now appears to be a resounding success for Portland. Wizards president Michael Winger maintains the trade wasn’t a mistake, explaining the decision was part of a larger roster reset, but Avdija’s subsequent rise undeniably highlights the value Portland received.

Avdija’s breakout wasn’t immediate upon arriving in Portland. He initially struggled to adjust to a new team and city. However, as he grew more comfortable, he began to flourish. A key factor was the opportunity to take on a more prominent role in the offense, particularly after injuries to Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. Splitter, recognizing Avdija’s versatility and experience playing point guard earlier in his career, gave him the green light to run the offense. “Coach…you know I can. You saw me do it when I was 18,” Avdija reportedly told Splitter.

The results have been striking. Avdija is currently averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, numbers that place him among the league’s elite. He leads the league in drives, consistently attacking the basket and forcing defenses to collapse. He’s also improved his shooting, connecting on 37.4% of his three-point attempts. His ability to both score and create for others has transformed the Trail Blazers into a competitive force, currently hovering around a play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Avdija’s journey resonates deeply in Israel, where he was a youth basketball star, leading Israel’s under-20 team to back-to-back European championships in 2018 and 2019. He became the first Israeli player to be named an NBA All-Star. “This is a dream come true for many,” wrote Moshe Halickman of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Scouts, including Mike Schmitz, now an assistant general manager with the Trail Blazers, recognized his talent years ago, but few could have predicted this level of success.

Despite the accolades, Avdija remains focused on continuous improvement. He acknowledges areas where he can still grow, such as reducing turnovers and developing more consistent scoring options beyond driving to the basket. But for now, he’s embracing the moment, enjoying the responsibility of being a leader and the opportunity to represent his country on the NBA’s biggest stage. “My goal is just to continue being me,” he said.