History of Deni Avdija in Timeline

Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Known as "Turbo" for his energetic style, Avdija plays small forward. Before joining the NBA, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv. From 2020 until 2024 he played for the Washington Wizards until he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Zufer Avdija won a bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship

In 1982, Deni Avdija's father, Zufer Avdija, won the bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship as a member of the Yugoslavian national team.

2013: Joined Maccabi Tel Aviv

In 2013, Deni Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv to play basketball.

2013: Joined the youth ranks of Maccabi Tel Aviv

In 2013, Deni Avdija joined the youth ranks of Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played under coach Shai Omer.

November 2017: Signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv

On 5 November 2017, Deni Avdija started his professional career with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, signing a six-year deal with the club. On 19 November, he made his professional debut in the 2017–18 Israeli Basketball Premier League

2017: Led Maccabi Tel Aviv to Israeli youth state championships

From 2017, Deni Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships.

2017: Competed at the FIBA U16 European Championship

In 2017, Deni Avdija competed for Israel at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Podgorica, leading the tournament with 12.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, to go with 15.3 points per game.

2017: Debuted for Maccabi Tel Aviv's senior team

In 2017, at the age of 16, Deni Avdija debuted for Maccabi Tel Aviv's senior team, becoming the youngest player in club history.

April 2018: Averaged over 17 points for Israel at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament

In April 2018, Deni Avdija averaged over 17 points and nine rebounds for Israel at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, an under-18 competition in Mannheim.

July 2018: Led Israel to a gold medal at the FIBA U20 European Championship

In July 2018, Deni Avdija played at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Chemnitz, leading Israel to a gold medal and earning a spot on the all-tournament team.

August 2018: Participated in Basketball Without Borders Europe

In August 2018, Deni Avdija participated in Basketball Without Borders Europe in Belgrade, where he was named camp MVP.

November 2018: EuroLeague debut

On 22 November 2018, at the age of 17, Deni Avdija made his EuroLeague debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv in a 74–70 loss to Fenerbahçe, scoring two points.

December 2018: Won the Israeli championship for high schools

In December 2018, Deni Avdija led his Tichon Hadash high school team to win the Israeli championship for high schools.

January 2019: Played at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament

In January 2019, Deni Avdija played for Maccabi Tel Aviv's U18 team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Munich and was selected to the all-tournament team.

February 2019: Named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp

In February 2019, at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Deni Avdija was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp.

February 2019: Debut for Israeli senior national team

On 21 February 2019, Deni Avdija made his debut for the Israeli senior national team, in an 81–77 win over Germany, during the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualification stage.

July 2019: Led Israel to Gold at FIBA U20 European Championship

In July 2019, Deni Avdija led Israel to a second straight gold medal at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Tel Aviv, earning MVP and all-tournament team accolades.

October 2019: First start in the EuroLeague

On 24 October 2019, at the age of 18, Deni Avdija made his first start in the EuroLeague, recording six points and three rebounds in a 76–63 victory over Valencia.

2019: Led Maccabi Tel Aviv to Israeli youth state championships

In 2019, Deni Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships.

2019: Won Gold Medal at FIBA U20 European Championship

In 2019, Deni Avdija won a gold medal for Israel at the FIBA U20 European Championship, where he was named tournament's most valuable player.

January 2020: Career-high of 22 points against Hapoel Holon

On 11 January 2020, Deni Avdija recorded a then career-high of 22 points, shooting 9-of-15 from the field, with five assists in a 94–83 win over Hapoel Holon.

February 2020: Recorded 21 points against Romania

On 24 February 2020, Deni Avdija recorded 21 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes in an 87–63 victory over Romania during the EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers.

April 2020: Drafted into the IDF

In April 2020, Deni Avdija was drafted into the IDF in a non-combat role called "Exceptional Athlete" status.

July 2020: EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season

In July 2020, Deni Avdija's dunk over Luigi Datome was named EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season.

December 2020: Signed rookie contract with the Washington Wizards

On 1 December 2020, Deni Avdija signed a rookie contract with the Washington Wizards.

2020: Drafted by the Washington Wizards

In 2020, Deni Avdija declared for the NBA draft and was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the 9th overall pick.

2020: Deferred IDF Service

In 2020, Deni Avdija deferred his mandatory Israel Defense Forces (IDF) service until NBA games were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2021: Career-high 20 points against the Miami Heat

On 9 January 2021, Deni Avdija recorded a then-career-high 20 points, five three-pointers, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 128–124 loss to the Miami Heat.

2021: Played all 82 games

During the 2021 season, Deni Avdija played all 82 games while averaging 8.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

2021: Played for the Israeli senior national team in the EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers

In February 2020, Deni Avdija recorded 21 points and eight rebounds in an 87–63 victory over Romania during the EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers as a member of the Israeli senior national team.

February 2022: Career high in rebounds

On 14 February 2022, Deni Avdija set a then career high in rebounds with 15 in a 103–94 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

2022: "Am Yisrael Chai" message on shoes

In early 2022, after a series of Palestinian attacks in Israel, Deni Avdija wrote the phrase "Am Yisrael Chai" in Hebrew on his shoes.

January 2023: Career high in rebounds and points

In January 2023, Deni Avdija achieved a new career high in rebounds with 20 in a 100–97 win against the Chicago Bulls and set a then career high in points with 25 in a 127–109 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

October 2023: Contract extension with the Washington Wizards

On 22 October 2023, Deni Avdija and the Washington Wizards agreed to a 4-year, $55 million contract extension.

2023: Averaged Career Highs

Deni Avdija finished the 2023 season averaging career highs across every major statistical category, posting statistical averages of 14.7 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game, to go along with 51% field goal percentage, 37% three-point shooting percentage, and 3.6 free throw attempts per game.

February 2024: New Career High in Points

On 14 February 2024, Deni Avdija posted a new career high in points with 43, along with 15 rebounds, in a 133–126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2024: Traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

In 2024, Deni Avdija was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2024: Sat out first preseason game to observe Yom Kippur

In 2024, Deni Avdija, who is Jewish, sat out his first preseason game with the Trail Blazers to observe the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

March 2, 2025: First Career Triple-Double

On March 2, 2025, Deni Avdija recorded his first career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 133–129 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

March 2025: Most Productive Month of Career

In March 2025, Deni Avdija averaged 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists over 13 games, shooting 51.0% on field goals, and 45.7% on three-point attempts, marking the most productive month of his career.

November 2025: Launched Turbo protein ice cream brand

In November 2025, Deni Avdija launched Turbo, a protein ice cream brand named after his nickname.

2025: Strong first third of the 2025–26 season

After a strong first third of the 2025–26 season, highlighted by triple-doubles against the Chicago Bulls, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs, Avdija averaged 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 35.2 minutes per game.

January 5, 2026: NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week

On January 5, 2026, Deni Avdija was named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 11 (December 29 – January 4), after averaging 26.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists during a 3–1 week for the Blazers.

January 2026: Frustration with politicisation of career

In January 2026, amidst scrutiny stemming from the Gaza war, Deni Avdija expressed frustration with the politicisation of his career and a desire to be recognised as a basketball player.