Fans criticize NBA after ex-‘Israeli’ soldier Deni Avdija named All-Star

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Palestine

Portland forward Deni Avdija becomes the first player of ‘Israeli’ descent to earn an NBA All-Star nod.
Fans and commentators have expressed criticism of the NBA’s decision, reflecting the broader political context.

Deni Avdija, forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, has been named a reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time a player of ‘Israeli’ descent has been selected in the league’s 75-year history.

Performance highlights

In his second season with Portland, the 25-year-old Avdija has posted career-high averages:

Points per game: 25.5
Rebounds per game: 7.2
Assists per game: 6.7

He is one of only three players this season, alongside Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, to average at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game.

Avdija also served as a soldier in the ‘Israeli’ forces before beginning his professional basketball career, a fact highlighted by some critics who argue that his military background adds a layer of controversy to his All-Star selection. Social media users have shared images of him in uniform, noting the contrast between celebrating athletic achievement and the ongoing violence in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian deaths have been killed.

Global fan response

While Avdija finished fifth in fan voting among Western Conference frontcourt players, drawing roughly 2.2 million votes, the NBA has faced criticism online for the selection. Many commentators have highlighted the contrast between celebrating an athlete from ‘Israel’ and the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that sports platforms inevitably carry political weight.

he didn’t come in his military uniform?
— Sperm Whale (@MonoBroski) February 14, 2026

Yall really shameless about your shit huh @NBA
— Bushido Brown (@EffeX05) February 15, 2026

Some users criticizing the league for celebrating a player who has been pictured in the uniform of the ‘Israeli’ military and is linked to ongoing aggression in Gaza.

Deni Avdija is a basketball player whose very selection for the 2026 All-Star is debated as a 'political campaign' and who openly supports the genocide in Gaza. And this certainly does not make him a 'great person.'

The absurdity of 'he may support genocide but he’s a very good… pic.twitter.com/sL8qCuGE0F
— Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) February 15, 2026

Deni Avdija w/Israeli flag patch at NBA All-Star weekend is a HARD stance. This ex-IOF soldier is no “innocent” player maligned bc “he’s Jewish”. As a Jew against genocide, I’d never accept a Nazi patch OR this. As for some ppl who have stated that Avdija was unfairly selected as… pic.twitter.com/IGmkeuq9R0
— #StopCopCity (@ChuckModi1) February 15, 2026

All-Star format

The 2026 All-Star Game, hosted at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, introduces a tournament-style format. Avdija will represent Team World, competing against Team USA Stars and Team USA Stripes. Other international stars include Victor Wembanyama, Jamal Murray, Dončić, and Jokić.

Despite a minor back strain, Avdija is expected to participate fully in the weekend’s festivities. Observers note the milestone has drawn global attention, prompting discussions on how professional sports intersect with political and humanitarian realities.