Deni Avdija says Trail Blazers blocked him from playing for Israel

Deni Avdija wanted to play for Israel this summer. The Trail Blazers said no.

Avdija explained in a social media post that Portland would not clear him to participate in FIBA World Cup qualifying because of the back injury he suffered in January.

“This time, I wanted to be there just as much,” Avdija wrote. “But this summer I dealt with a complex back injury.”

Avdija added that the decision was not entirely his. “Portland wasn’t willing to take a risk with my health, and in the situation that arose, I simply didn’t have the option to step up and play.”

That helps explain why Avdija was absent as Israel was eliminated from contention for the 2027 World Cup following Thursday’s 20-point loss to Poland.

It also raises at least a little concern in Portland. Avdija injured his back Jan. 11 and missed the next three games, then dealt with the issue on and off through early March. He still played through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.

He also played well. Avdija averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 66 games, made his first All-Star team and finished as a finalist for Most Improved Player.

So the injury clearly didn’t prevent him from producing. Still, training camp is only about a month away, and the Blazers apparently weren’t comfortable letting their franchise cornerstone play competitive basketball this summer.

Avdija did not offer an update on exactly where his back stands now. He did make one thing clear: If he’s healthy, he plans to keep playing for Israel.