Why Deni Avdija Deserves A Spot On The 2026 NBA All-Star World Team

 Deni Avdija stands out as one of the most compelling cases for All-Star recognition. The 25-year-old Israeli forward, now thriving with the Portland Trail Blazers after an offseason trade from the Washington Wizards, has elevated his game to elite levels. Averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Avdija isn't just putting up numbers; he's leading a rebuilding Blazers squad to relevance in the competitive Western Conference. They are 9th in the West and would be in the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today. 

With the 2026 All-Star Game adopting a groundbreaking USA vs. World format, featuring two U.S. teams and one World team in a round-robin tournament, Avdija's inclusion on the international squad would not only reward his breakout performance but also mark a historic milestone as the first Israeli player to earn the honor.

Avdija's statistical leap this year is undeniable. He's posting career highs across the board, shooting 46.8% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and an impressive 80.1% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage sits at 61.2%, reflecting his efficiency despite a heavy usage rate of 28.9%. Advanced metrics further underscore his impact: a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 20.8, a Win Shares per 48 minutes of .154, and a Box Plus-Minus (BPM) of +4.5, all ranking him among the league's top forwards. 

Compared to these peers, Avdija's scoring output of 26.1 PPG surpasses Markkanen's recent averages, while his playmaking outperforms Sengun's. He's also more efficient than Murray this season and brings defensive versatility that complements the World team's star-studded frontcourt. Fan voting reflects this buzz: Avdija is climbing the Western Conference forward ranks, outpacing veterans like Kevin Durant in some tallies, fueled by strong support from Israel and the global Jewish community.