Israeli forward Deni Avdija, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, has been selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which will feature a World vs. USA format—letting players proudly display their national flags on the court.

Israeli-born basketball player Deni Avdija has climbed the NBA ranks since being drafted, earning his first All-Star selection—the first ever for an Israeli.

The Israeli athlete was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Wizards and spent four seasons with the NBA team.

The Israeli-born and bred player is a rising star in the NBA.

The message written in Hebrew said, 'For the recovery of Idan, son of Tova, Amedi.'

Pro-basketall player Deni Avdija arrives dressed in black, writes 'Remember' on his shoes for the game played on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

'Mark my words — we're gonna be good,' said Israeli rookie Deni Avdija.

On Thursday, a video put out by the Wizards showed Avdija lighting candles to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

Deni Avdija was drafted by the Washington Wizards and former pro player Tamir Goodman, known as the 'Jewish Jordan,' predicts the 19-year-old Israeli will take the league by storm.

The 19-year-old from Israel is 'generally considered the best player of his generation in Europe.'