A dream has become reality. After a month of voting by Israeli fans, during which he finished ahead of superstars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the fan ballot, Deni Avdija was officially named overnight between Sunday and Monday as an NBA All-Star. The selection makes him the first Israeli player ever to participate in the league's marquee event.
It is a monumental achievement for Israeli basketball in general and for Avdija in particular. He is in the midst of a career season by every measure, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. In recent weeks, current and former legends of the game publicly argued that Avdija deserved an All-Star nod, and he has now earned that coveted recognition.
Avdija finished seventh in the Western Conference race for a starting spot after placing fifth in the fan vote. He was selected by Western Conference coaches as a reserve, alongside stars such as Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant. This year, following a format change to three teams, the distinction between starters and reserves is largely symbolic, but it still says a great deal about a player's status and standing in the NBA.
Avdija will be part of the World Team, which will include Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Jamal Murray. Karl-Anthony Towns will have the option of joining that squad to complete an eight-man roster or choosing to represent Team USA. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was also selected, will not participate due to injury.
Among the players Avdija surpassed on the way to his selection were Houston Rockets Turkish star Alperen Sengun; two future Hall of Famers from the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, whose team did not receive a representative at its home All-Star Game; Minnesota Timberwolves standout Julius Randle; and Utah Jazz duo Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George.
All-Star selections
Western Conference: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, LeBron James, Deni Avdija.
Eastern Conference: Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Johnson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Duren.
