Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player who is currently playing in the NBA with Portland Trail Blazers. This young, electric star is Turbo and in a very brief time he has managed to transform himself into one of the most versatile and exciting players in the Western Conference; a one time teenage star in Israeli basketball. Avdija was born 3 January 2001, in kibbutz Beit Zera, Israel, and in February 2026 became the first Israeli-born player ever to be selected to an NBA All-Star Game, a historic event that made him even more of a top player in the league.
From his historic debut at the age of teenager in Maccabi Tel Aviv, to his dominating 202526 performance, the history of Deni Avdija is a compelling narrative of perseverance, growth and firsts in the history of the game.
Deni Avdija Career Overview
Avdija launched his professional career on 5 November 2017, signing a six-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv at just 16 years and 320 days old – instantly becoming the youngest player in club history to feature for their senior team.
He rapidly established himself as a phenomenon in Israeli basketball. Between 2018 and 2020, he led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli League titles and became the youngest player ever to claim the Israeli League MVP award in 2020.
His outstanding performances made him one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the 2020 NBA Draft. He was picked by the Washington Wizards at number 9 and after four years of development in Washington, he gradually polished his all-round game.
In July 2024, Avdija was exchanged to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has flourished into the main offensive power of the team. His 2025–26 season – averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists – earned him his maiden All-Star selection in January 2026.
Deni Avdija Career Stats
| Season | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
| 2023–24 | Washington | 14.7 | 7.2 | 3.8 | 50.6% |
| 2024–25 | Portland | 16.9 | 7.3 | 3.9 | 47.6% |
| 2025–26 | Portland | 24.2 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 46.2% |
| Career | – | 13.3 | 6.3 | 3.4 | 46.2% |
Key milestones: Career-high 43 points vs. New Orleans Pelicans (Feb 2024), career-high 20 rebounds vs. Chicago Bulls (Jan 2023), and first career triple-double of 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (March 2025).
Deni Avdija Accolades and Achievements
- NBA All-Star (2026) – first player of Israeli descent in history
- 3× Israeli League champion (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Israeli League MVP (2020) – youngest ever
- FIBA U20 European Championship MVP (2019)
- 2× FIBA U20 European Championship gold medalist
- 2× Basketball Without Borders MVP (2018, 2019)
- EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season (2020)
- NBA Western Conference Player of the Week (January 2026)
Deni Avdija Personal Life
Avdija was born in kibbutz Beit Zera, Israel. His mother Sharon Artzi is an Israeli Jew and former athlete, while his father Zufer Avdija is of Muslim-Gorani Serbian heritage and played professionally for Crvena zvezda, also winning bronze at the 1982 FIBA World Championship with Yugoslavia.
Avdija identifies as Jewish and holds dual Israeli-Serbian citizenship. He served in a non-combat IDF role during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Off the court, he launched “Turbo,” a protein ice cream brand, in November 2025.
Deni Avdija Contracts, Salary, and Net Worth
- Signed a rookie contract with the Washington Wizards on 1 December 2020 following his 9th overall draft selection
- Agreed to a 4-year, $55 million contract extension with the Wizards in October 2023
- Traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2024 in exchange for Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple draft selections
- Business venture: founder of “Turbo” protein ice cream brand, launched November 2025
Lesser-Known Facts About Deni Avdija
- He learned English by playing Call of Duty and watching Nickelodeon sitcoms – not through formal education.
- His dunk over Luigi Datome in 2020 was voted EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season.
- He originally played football as a child before switching to basketball in fourth grade.
- He wrote “Am Yisrael Chai” on his sneakers in 2022 following attacks in Israel.
FAQs
What team does Deni Avdija currently play for?
He plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, having been traded from the Washington Wizards in July 2024.
Has Deni Avdija ever been an NBA All-Star?
Yes. He became the first player of Israeli descent to become an NBA All-Star Reserve in the 2026 game in the Western Conference.
What is Deni Avdija’s career-high in points?
On February 14, 2024, playing in the Washington Wizards, he scored 43 points, against the New Orleans Pelicans.
What nationality is Deni Avdija?
He holds dual citizenship – Israeli and Serbian. He was born in Israel, identifies as Jewish, and his father is of Muslim-Gorani Serbian heritage.
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