Game-by-game analysis, efficiency trends, and on-court impact
From Kibbutz Beit Zera to the NBA — a journey built on persistence and growth. This site tracks every game, trend, and milestone.
The story
Deni Avdija was born in Kibbutz Beit Zera, Israel. His father Zufer Avdija played for the Yugoslav national team and captained Red Star Belgrade before moving to the Israeli league; his mother Sharon was a runner and basketball player. Deni played football until fourth grade, then switched to basketball — Bnei Herzliya, then Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth ranks.
At 16 he became the youngest player ever to suit up for Maccabi’s senior team. Three straight Israeli League titles, MVP at Basketball Without Borders twice, back-to-back FIBA U20 European golds with Israel — and in 2020, the youngest Israeli League MVP in history. That same year he was taken 9th in the draft by the Washington Wizards.
In Washington he grew into a two-way playmaker, overcame a serious ankle injury, and signed a four-year extension. Traded to Portland in July 2024. In 2025–26 he has become the team’s engine: Western Conference Player of the Week, triple-doubles, and a historic All-Star nod. He drew over two million fan votes (fifth in the West) but did not earn one of the five conference starter spots; the coaches selected him as a reserve, making him the first Israeli ever named an NBA All-Star. In the game at Inglewood he started in Team World’s opening five alongside Jokić, Dončić, and the league’s elite — first Blazers All-Star since Lillard in 2023.
In his first 20 games of 2025–26, Avdija put up a stat line no player in NBA history had ever reached in a 20-game span: 516 points, 141 rebounds, 115 assists, 51 threes, and 14 blocks. He ranks third in the entire league in games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists — ahead of Kevin Durant and level with Giannis, behind only Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić. His season averages — 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists — reflect a dream campaign that has made him a must-watch in Portland and in Israel.
Why this season stands out
516 pts · 141 reb · 115 ast · 51 3s · 14 blk — first in NBA history
500+ / 100+ / 100+ in 20 games with Drexler & Lillard
30+ points in each of first four career triple-doubles
Over 2M fan votes, coaches’ reserve pick, first Israeli All-Star; started for Team World in Inglewood.
2025–26: 25.2 PPG · 7.2 RPG · 6.6 APG — 3rd in NBA in 25/5/5 games
Deni Avdija — best plays
Feb 21, 2026, 3:00 AM
Featured
Deni Avdija has evolved from a young prospect in Israel into a central piece of the Portland Trail Blazers. His 2025–26 campaign reflects that growth: improved efficiency, stronger on-ball creation, and a clearer two-way impact. Below is a snapshot of the metrics we track — dive into the full stats for game logs, splits, and advanced impact.
PTS per game
25.2
2025-26 season
RPG
7.2
APG
6.6
MIN
34.3
