Avdija Named to NBA All-Star Game as Antisemitic Backlash Erupts Online

Overnight, Israeli basketball star Deni Avdija of the Portland Trailblazers was selected for the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career, marking one of the most significant achievements ever by an Israeli athlete in the league.

The historic selection was met with celebration in Israel, but it also triggered a wave of online backlash. Users on X, including Turkish fans, posted antisemitic messages and threats directed at Avdija following the announcement of the All-Star reserves.

Much of the anger focused on the omission of Turkish center Alperen Şengün of the Houston Rockets, who had been widely expected by fans in Turkey to earn a place in the game. Some users framed Avdija’s selection as coming at Şengün’s expense, despite the fact that All-Star reserves are chosen by NBA coaches rather than fan voting alone.

Several of the posts included antisemitic language and accusations, some referencing photos of Avdija from his military service. In some cases, users warned that his All-Star appearance should be used to publicly humiliate him, framing the selection as a moment when antisemitism would resurface on the NBA stage. Other comments accused Avdija of “stealing” an All-Star spot through Jewish influence, invoking classic antisemitic stereotypes, while additional posts argued that an Israeli player should not be allowed to participate in the game for political reasons tied to Israel’s actions in Gaza. The reactions were not limited to Turkey, with similar messages appearing from accounts in multiple countries.

Avdija did not respond directly to the online abuse. Instead, he focused on the significance of the moment and the path that brought him there. “I’m proud. I remember the entire journey I went through,” he said following the announcement. “It was a long road and not always simple. I wasn’t in the easiest situations in my career. I started playing basketball without a dream and let the game show me where it would take me.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Avdija added that the achievement still feels surreal. “It’s hard to believe I’m achieving one thing after another, and it excites me,” he said. “I’m happy to represent the Blazers in the All-Star Game because this organization gave me an opportunity and allowed me to be myself.”

In a separate message posted on Instagram, Avdija addressed the Israeli public directly, emphasizing perseverance and gratitude. “The mornings, the hard work, the obstacles, the sleepless nights,” he wrote. “Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling dreams. And dear people of Israel, I love you. Your support helped me fulfill a dream.”

Avdija received more than 2.2 million fan votes, but his final selection came through the coaches’ ballot, which carries the most weight in determining All-Star reserves. 

On the court, Avdija’s numbers support his inclusion. He is averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season, leading the Portland Trail Blazers during a push toward the playoffs. His production and expanded role in Portland have elevated him into league-wide conversations for the first time.

As the All-Star Game approaches, Avdija is set to represent both Portland and Israel on one of the NBA’s biggest stages, while the reactions to his selection continue to highlight the charged environment surrounding Israeli athletes abroad.