Deni Avdija
User Rating
Your Rating
| Team |  Trail Blazers |
| Position | Small forward |
| Height / weight | 2.06 m / 95 kg |
| Born | 3 Jan 2001 (25 years) |
| Nationality |  Israel |
| Number | 8 |
Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has also played for the Washington Wizards.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Deni Avdija was born on January 3, 2001, in Beit Zera, Israel. He stands 206 cm tall and his weight is listed at 95 kg. Avdija holds dual citizenship of Israel and Serbia, the latter because his father is a citizen.Avdija's father Zufer Avdija, who is from Serbia, was a professional basketball player who played 11 years between Israel and Yugoslavia. His mother Sharon Artzi, who is from Israel, was a championship runner and basketball player.
Youth Career
Avdija played association football until fourth grade when a friend convinced him to try basketball because of his height. In 2013, he joined the youth ranks of Maccabi Tel Aviv. From 2017 to 2019, Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships.In August 2018, he participated in Basketball Without Borders Europe in Belgrade, where he was named camp MVP. In February 2019, at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Avdija was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp.
Professional Career
Avdija made his professional debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2017 at age 16, becoming the youngest player in club history. In 2019, he became the youngest player to ever win the Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP award, leading his team to the championship.Avdija was selected 9th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2020 NBA Draft.
In the 2022-23 season, Avdija became a regular starter for the Wizards. In 2024, they traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers.
International Career
Avdija has been a member of the Israeli senior national basketball team.He has won two gold medals for Israel at the youth level, including at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship, where he was named Tournament MVP.
Career Highlights
- 2020 - NBA All-Rookie Second Team
- 2019 - Israeli League MVP
- 2019 - FIBA U20 European Championship MVP
- 2019, 2018 - FIBA U20 European Championship Gold Medal
- 2017 - Israeli League Cup winner
Medal Record, Men's basketball, Representing Israel
- Gold - 2018 FIBA U20 European Championship Germany
- Gold - 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Israel
Deni Avdija FAQ
Where is Deni Avdija from?
Israel. He was born in Beit Zera, Israel.
When was Deni Avdija drafted?
Avdija was selected 9th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2020 NBA Draft.
What position does Deni Avdija play?
Small forward. He is listed as a small forward for the Washington Wizards.