Deni Avdija is making a name for himself in the NBA and connecting cross-culture basketball worlds in the process. He was born in Israel and is now making plays in Portland. His path to the league is anything but typical. He’s already earned MVP honors overseas and notched a headline-making triple-double in the league. One thing’s clear—his story is just getting started.
This is a story worth following.
Already on a Professional Track
Most kids shoot hoops in driveways. Deni was practicing inside one of Europe’s top basketball academies before finishing middle school. At age 12, he joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s elite youth program, which is home to EuroLeague legends, while still balancing school and early morning workouts.
The Professional Debut
Sixteen-year-olds are usually not guarding grown men in a packed arena. Deni debuted for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s senior team at just 16 years and 320 days old, even before he got his driver’s license. That night, he became the youngest player to ever appear for the club’s top squad.
Holds Two Passports
Deni carries dual citizenship, thanks to his Israeli mother and Serbian father. This mix gives him access to two rich basketball cultures. Serbia breeds basketball tacticians, while Israel emphasizes team-first systems. His game combines both, which makes him adaptable to different leagues and coaching styles.
Family Is Built Like an Olympic Village
Deni didn’t need a personal trainer because he had elite athletes at home. His father played professionally in Yugoslavia and for Israel’s national team. His mother won national medals in track and field. That background gave him both natural ability and competitive drive from the start.
NBA Scouts Saw Him Dominate Globally
During the 2019 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, held during NBA All-Star Weekend, Deni faced off against top international talent. He participated and owned the floor. He walked away as MVP and caught the eyes of several NBA front offices during the process.
League History as Israel’s Youngest MVP
In 2020, Deni became the Israeli Basketball Premier League’s ...
