Veteran NBA commentator Stephen A. Smith expressed his admiration for the people of Israel, saying that everyone he has met from the country has been kind and good-hearted, while also praising Israelis’ passion for basketball.

In a Game 2 matchup between the Spurs and the Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija posted 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists—securing the first playoff victory ever recorded by an Israeli player.

Avdija added 12 assists and seven rebounds in 38 minutes and emerged as the dominant player on the court.

YU legend and former G League player, now with Hapoel Haifa in Israel, Ryan Turell said that keeping Shabbat, kosher, and his faith never conflicts with his basketball—it only makes his game stronger.

Avdija said in a postgame press conference that he had been surprised to see the arena sold out and that the energy reminded him of the Menora arena when he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

NBA legend LeBron James praised Israeli All-Star Deni Avdija and said he’s heard nothing but great things about Israel, adding that he may visit the Jewish state one day.

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.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick recalled meeting former Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov, saying he toured the Lakers’ facility with him and was struck by the young man’s infectious joy and love of life—despite the horrors and trauma he endured.

Speaking on his podcast with fellow NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James praised Israeli player Deni Avdija for his standout play this season, highlighting his strength and powerful driving ability.

He’s averaging 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, numbers reminiscent of LeBron James’ production at the same age.

Israeli-born NBA player Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers is playing phenomenal basketball, averaging 25.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.

Israeli-American basketball star Danny Wolf and Israeli Ben Saraf are both projected to be first-round picks in this year's NBA draft.

This season, he has had eight 30+ point performances and his first two career triple-doubles, while averaging a career-high of 16.9 points per game.

Avdija became the first Blazers player since Damian Lillard to record at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists in consecutive wins.

Avdija began his NBA career in 2020 when he was drafted by the Washington Wizards.

'It's all love here, I represent peace in the Middle East,' Patrick Beverley responded.

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

Floyd Mayweather, Michael Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, and Jarred Vanderbilt joined their friend Jona Rechnitz at the LA With Love Legacy teens event hosted at Haim Saban’s home.

'We love you so very much,' Shaq says. 'Shalom, Baruch Hashem.'

During his NBA career, Beverley also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The billionaire businessman had previously announced that he was stopping his donations to Columbia.

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.'

“Been a long time since I was moved like this,” Deni wrote on Instagram.

Deni Avdija, an Israeli basketball player, set a new career record in the NBA last week, causing fandom for the superstar to explode!

The Detroit Pistons sent Kyrie Irving, who promoted an antisemitic film, a very Jewish message when he stepped up to the freethrow line on Sunday night.

For many aspiring NBA players, the G League is the first stop on the way to the big time. Orthodox basketball star Ryan Turell took a major step toward accomplishing his goal of playing for the NBA. Turell made his NBA’s G League debut, the organization’s minor league division, playing for Motor City Cruise. For... Read more »

Kyrie Irving took "responsibility" for promoting an antisemitic film and will donate $500,000 to combat hatred.

Jewish fans sat in the front row of a Brooklyn Nets game with 'Fight Antisemitism' t-shirts to protest NBA star Kyrie Irving's promotion of an antisemitic film.

After turning heads as the star of Yeshiva University's basketball team, Ryan Turell was drafted into the NBA G League this week.

NBA’s Enes Kanter Freedom in Israel to run Jerusalem basketball camp with ‘Jewish Jordan’ Tamir Goodman.

NBA star Joel Embiid went all the way as he danced the hora and got lifted in a chair at a Jewish friend's wedding.

Ryan Turell led Yeshiva University to a 50-game winning streak and has his sights set on a professional career. Will he make aliyah and play in Israel, or earn a spot in the NBA?

Omri Casspi, the first Israeli-drafted NBA player, has officially decided to retire from the sport.

NBA Hall of Famer and retired basketball legend Rick Barry is teaching Israeli kids the fundamentals of the sport as well as showing his support for the Jewish state!

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

Ryan Turell is leading Yeshiva University's undefeated streak, with hopes of breaking into the big league.

'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.