Deni Avdija has taken to social media to explain his absence from the FIBA windows ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The Portland Trail Blazers forward wished to participate in the qualifiers; however, he did not receive clearance from the franchise’s medical staff in Oregon following his recent back injury.
“Normally I don’t feel the need to explain myself, but this time it’s important. Anyone who knows me and is familiar with my history with the Israeli national team understands what this jersey represents to me. I have played through pain. I have worn the national team shirt when I wasn’t at a hundred percent. I showed up during summers when perhaps the right thing would have been to rest. I even played when my next contract could have been at stake. There was a moment when any injury could have altered my career. I never looked for excuses not to play. On the contrary. As long as I can compete for Israel, I will be there,” he stressed.
“And this time I wanted to be there with the same intensity as always. But this summer I’ve endured a rather complex back injury. An injury that those who haven’t experienced it can’t truly understand. And the decision not to participate in the windows wasn’t solely mine. Portland wasn’t willing to risk my health… And given the situation I faced, I simply couldn’t step forward and play,” Avdija acknowledged.
“I understand the disappointment. I understand the criticisms. When you represent a country and there are expectations placed on you. That’s part of the game. And I accept that. But there is one thing I won’t allow to be questioned: my commitment to the National Team and to my country. I believe I’ve proven it with my actions. There is nothing more I want than to be on the court and to wear Israel’s colors. And even when I can’t, I’ll be there to support them,” he concluded.
Last season he played 66 official games with averages of 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.
