Deni Avdija: "I feel the antisemitism, but I’m proud to represent the people of Israel"

By Oded Ben Ami

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija spoke with N12 about his successful season in the world’s top basketball league, and about dealing with the antisemitism he has experienced in the United States.

Avdija opened the interview by saying: "First of all, I’m really excited to return home (to Israel), and I want to thank all the people of Israel for this wonderful year – for supporting me both on the court and at home, and also in the All-Star voting. It’s not something I take for granted. I’m truly happy to represent Israel and to keep doing so.”

Speaking about his tremendous success during the recent NBA season, he said: "It was a pretty crazy season. I went through a lot of things I hadn’t experienced before, but I’m happy because I work extremely hard. I’ve always been optimistic and always try to look as far ahead as possible. I’m glad I managed to do that even during tougher times, and that the people of Israel were with me along the way. I really enjoyed it. I hope to continue on this path and break more ceilings, but this is a great start.”

Avdija said he felt his progress this season both personally and as part of the team. “I feel that making the playoffs really lifted the city and brought a lot of hope for the future”, the basketball star added. “We truly have amazing players who are also developing. This was my first year in the playoffs as both a player and a leader, and I’m very happy I got to do it. I hope that from now on, this will become the standard.”

After posting impressive numbers in the NBA, basketball legend LeBron James praised Avdija, who responded to the compliments: "It feels good when you work so hard, stay positive, and try to do everything for the team. Getting compliments from players like that is really exciting. It’s a great boost.”

The Israeli basketball player also shared that he feels better after his injury: “I have an amazing medical staff working with me around the clock – real professionals. It’s part of the sport. Sometimes I deal with pain and injuries, and that’s something I take into account. In the end, I do everything I can to stay strong and healthy, but sometimes there are setbacks along the way. Right now, I feel better.”

“Israel is home. It’s great to see the people and my family again and to show appreciation to everyone who truly helped me get to where I am today”, Avdija noted. “I don’t think I would have made the All-Star Game without all the support from the people of Israel. Having a nation behind me like that is a huge bonus.”

The star also described his experience as an Israeli in the United States: “Sometimes I feel hostility from the crowd. Since I became a more recognizable figure in the league, it’s brought a lot of talk about Israel and a lot of antisemitism. But all I can do is step on the court and play the best basketball I can. In the end, I don’t need to pay too much attention to what people say. This is who I am and I’m not going to change. I love who I am. I focus on playing basketball.”

He concluded by clarifying: “I’m staying in Portland for now. I think they like me there, so I don’t think they’ll want me to leave. I’m happy there, it’s my second home. I love the city and the people; they really embraced me.”