Deni Avdija is one of the most promising names in global basketball. Born in Israel with Serbian roots, this 24-year-old has stood out as a versatile and determined power forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey, marked by early achievements and impressive evolution, inspires fans around the globe. In an era of explosive stars, Avdija excels with court intelligence, solid defense, and playmaking talent. This article dives into the life and career of this athlete who, in November 2025, is at his peak with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Childhood and First Steps in Basketball Deni Avdija was born on January 3, 2001, in the small town of Beit Zera in northern Israel. The son of Zufer Avdija, a former Yugoslav national team basketball player, and Sharon Artzi, a track and basketball athlete, Deni grew up in an environment where sports were more than an activity—they were a family tradition. His father, who competed internationally in the 1980s and 1990s, shared stories of intense European games, while his mother encouraged athletic practice from an early age. This mixed heritage, with Serbian-Gorani ancestry on his father’s side, shaped not only his cultural identity but also his passion for basketball.
At age nine, in fourth grade, Deni was reluctant to play sports. A school friend convinced him to try basketball. “I was skinny and awkward at first,” Avdija recalled years later in an interview. But what started as play quickly turned into obsession. He trained for hours on makeshift courts near home, imitating moves from idols like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. His family noticed his natural talent: motor coordination inherited from his mother and court vision from his father.
In 2013, at age 12, Deni joined the youth academy of Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s most storied clubs. There, he faced challenges like the pressure of representing a century-old institution and adapting to professional training. But his dedication paid off. Between 2017 and 2019, he led Maccabi’s youth teams to three consecutive Israeli junior championships. During those years, Avdija drew international attention. In 2018, he was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp, and the following year, he won the same award at Nike’s global event. His performance in the 2018-19 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, put him on NBA scouts’ radars.
These early steps were not just about wins. Deni navigated the duality of his heritage: an Israeli and Serbian citizen, he chose to represent Israel due to emotional ties and friendships formed in the country. His childhood also taught resilience, such as learning English on his own by watching Nickelodeon cartoons and playing video games, which eased his transition to professional European basketball.
Rise with Maccabi Tel Aviv Deni Avdija’s professional debut with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2017 was a milestone. At 16, he became the youngest player to wear the club’s jersey, stepping onto the court in an Israeli League game. The packed Yad Eliyahu Arena crowd applauded the kid who, despite inexperience, showed maturity. In the 2017-18 season, he played 20 games, contributing points and energy off the bench.
The real leap came in 2019-20. As a starter, Avdija led Maccabi to the Israeli Basketball League title. Averaging 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, he was named the league’s youngest-ever MVP at 19. His impact was even greater in the EuroLeague, Europe’s top club competition. In an iconic play, Deni posterized Italy’s Luigi Datome of Fenerbahçe with a dunk voted the EuroLeague’s “Magic Moment of the Season.” This March 2020 highlight symbolized his growing athleticism and confidence.
At Maccabi, Avdija learned valuable lessons. Coached by figures like Neven Spahija, he refined his versatile defense, capable of guarding wings and bigs. Despite early struggles, such as a 59% free-throw rate, he evolved quickly. He was named Israeli Player of the Year and a First-Team All-League selection. His departure from the club in June 2020 for the NBA Draft was bittersweet: Maccabi lost a talent, but Israel gained a global basketball ambassador.
These years in Tel Aviv solidified Deni as a complete professional. He wasn’t just a shooter; he was a facilitator with vision for passes and instinct for rebounds. His work ethic—extra training after sessions—prepared him for the NBA’s rigor.
NBA Draft and Years with the Washington Wizards The American dream came true on November 22, 2020, when Deni Avdija was selected ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in the NBA Draft. Picked ahead of names like Immanuel Quickley and Malachi Flynn, he signed a four-year, $21.6 million contract. His arrival in Washington, D.C., coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing quick adaptation to a new country and culture.
In his 2020-21 rookie season, Avdija played 54 games, averaging 6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in 23.3 minutes. Despite limited minutes, he impressed with defense, stealing balls and blocking shots. Injuries and coach Scott Brooks’ rotation tested him, but Deni showed patience. In 2021-22, he played all 82 regular-season games, raising his averages to 8.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. His versatility as a power forward allowed him to play alongside stars like Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook.
His third year, 2022-23, brought more responsibility. With 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in 26.6 minutes, Avdija became a key piece in the Wizards’ rebuild. He signed a four-year, $55 million extension in October 2023, signaling the franchise’s confidence. In his best season yet, 2023-24, Deni exploded with 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, shooting 50.6% from the field. He stood out in games against rivals like the Boston Celtics, where his wing defense was crucial.
The Washington years were about learning. Avdija faced criticism over his three-point shooting (37.4% in 2023-24) and occasional turnovers but grew as a leader. His chemistry with young players like Jordan Poole made him an informal mentor. In July 2024, however, a trade sent him west: in exchange for Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon, and draft picks, Deni headed to the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a fresh start and a chance to shine as a primary star.
Move to the Portland Trail Blazers Deni Avdija’s arrival with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 6, 2024, was seen as a perfect fit for a rebuilding franchise. After trading Damian Lillard in 2023, the Blazers sought a versatile player to anchor a young core with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Deni, with four years of league experience, brought immediate stability.
In his first season in Portland, 2024-25, Avdija played 72 games, starting 54. His averages jumped to 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 30 minutes per game. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.5% from three, showing long-range improvement. A highlight was March 2025, his most productive month: in 13 games, he averaged 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, with 51% field goal and 45.7% three-point shooting. In those games, Deni was the team’s engine, facilitating fast transitions and defending multiple positions.
Two triple-doubles marked the campaign. The first on March 2, 2025, against the Cleveland Cavaliers; the second on April 2 against the Atlanta Hawks, with an impressive 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes. These feats established him as the Blazers’ “do-it-all” player, nicknamed “Turbo” for his court speed. Under initial coach Chauncey Billups and later interim Tiago Splitter, Avdija adapted to small lineups, even playing center in key moments.
Portland’s passionate fanbase quickly adopted Deni. His physical, intelligent game fit the team’s identity: aggressive defense and fast counterattacks. In April 2025, he set a season-high with 37 points against the Chicago Bulls, proving he was ready to be the franchise’s face.
Playing Style and Unique Skills What makes Deni Avdija special is his versatility. Listed as a small forward, he primarily plays power forward at 6’9” (2.06m) and 210 lbs (95 kg). His style is aggressive and smart: he attacks the rim with power, using his 7’0” (2.13m) wingspan to finish or pass. Nicknamed “Turbo,” Deni masters transitions, running the floor like lightning and creating for teammates.
On defense, he shines. Able to guard guards to centers, Avdija uses his lateral quickness for steals (0.8 per game career average) and blocks (0.4). His game-reading, inherited from his father, makes him an elite defender. On offense, he’s a natural facilitator with 2.8 assists per game career-wide. His rebounding is fierce: 6.2 per game, emphasizing offensive boards for second chances.
Weaknesses? Early three-point shooting was inconsistent (31.5% in 2020-21) but improved to 33.7% career. Free throws rose from 64.4% to 75.3%. Deni isn’t a pure scorer like Stephen Curry, but his efficiency (46.2% overall field goal) makes him reliable. In Portland, he embodies “modern basketball”: spacing, defensive switches, and team plays.
International Career with the Israeli National Team Despite Serbian eligibility through his father, Deni chose Israel for emotional ties. His under-16 debut in 2017 at the FIBA European Championship was dominant: 15.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, leading the tournament in rebounds. In 2018, at the Albert Schweitzer U-18 Tournament, he averaged 17 points and nine rebounds.
With the U-20s, Avdija won back-to-back golds in 2018 and 2019 FIBA Europeans. In the latter, as MVP, he posted 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 2.1 steals. In the semifinal: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals; in the final: 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks.
For the senior team, he debuted on February 21, 2019, in a World Cup qualifier win over Germany. In February 2020, he scored 21 points and eight rebounds against Romania in EuroBasket qualifiers. In March 2022, amid attacks in Israel, he wrote “Am Yisrael Chai” (The People of Israel Live) on his sneakers in solidarity. His commitment to the national team continues despite the NBA schedule.
Personal Life and Off-Court Legacy Off the court, Deni is reserved but engaged. A practicing Jew, he skips preseason games to observe Yom Kippur, as in October 2024. During the pandemic, he was called for Israeli military service in April 2020 but received an exemption for his career. He uses his platform to promote basketball in Israel, inspiring minority youth.
Avdija is fluent in Hebrew, Serbian, and English, maintaining ties to Serbia by visiting family. His family is his foundation: his father trains him informally, and his mother motivates him. In Portland, he’s adapted to American life, exploring the city’s music and vegan scenes. Deni is also a gaming fan, which helped him socialize in the NBA.
His legacy goes beyond stats: as the first Israeli in the Draft’s top 10, he opens doors for Middle Eastern athletes. In 2025, he’s an ambassador for causes like education through sports.
Recent Updates: 2025-26 Season in Full Swing In November 2025, Deni Avdija is living his best NBA moment. The 2025-26 Trail Blazers season started with him as the undisputed star. After a 2024-25 comeback campaign—where Portland finished with 36 wins, thanks to a 23-18 second half—Deni took the lead under interim coach Tiago Splitter.
In the first five games, he’s posting elite numbers: over 20 points per game with increased shot volume. On October 24 against the Golden State Warriors: 26 points (11/18 FG, 4/6 3PT), 5 rebounds, 6 assists in a 139-119 win. Two days later: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists in a 114-107 loss to the Clippers. On October 27: exploded for 25 points (including 5/8 from three), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks in a 122-108 win over the Lakers. His former teammate Deandre Ayton joked: “Every bucket he rubbed in my face.”
On October 29: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 1 steal in 34 minutes in a tight 136-134 win over the Utah Jazz. These games earned him Western Conference Player of the Week consideration alongside Jrue Holiday, averaging 22.3 points in three wins, 50% FG, and 41.2% 3PT.
Despite a left hamstring injury in October that sidelined him for a Lakers game, Deni returned strong, showing resilience. Analysts like those at Forbes call him a “breakout star,” potentially Portland’s primary player. His post-All-Star Break evolution in 2024-25—from 16 to 24 points in the final 15 games—continues. With a descending contract ($14.4 million in 2025-26), he’s a valuable asset, but the Blazers see him as a cornerstone.
On November 4, 2025, Avdija is the heart of the 4-2 Blazers. His leadership in small lineups, multi-positional defense, and transition attacks make Portland unpredictable. Fans dream of playoffs; Deni, of more trophies.
Conclusion: Deni Avdija’s Bright Future Deni Avdija transcends borders. From a kid in Beit Zera to a star in Portland, his path is one of overcoming and pure talent. With 359 NBA games, career averages of 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, he’s peaking at 24. His defense, vision, and work ethic position him as a future All-Star.
In 2025, with the season in full swing, Deni inspires. Whether representing Israel, leading the Blazers, or motivating youth, he proves basketball unites people. The world awaits more chapters in this story—and Portland, a title with its “Turbo” in command.”
