History of Deni Avdija in Timeline
Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He primarily plays as a small forward. Known as "Turbo," Avdija's nickname reflects his fast-paced and aggressive style of play on the court.
1982: Zufer Avdija Won Bronze Medal
In 1982, Deni Avdija's father, Zufer Avdija, won the bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship with the Yugoslavian national team.
January 2001: Deni Avdija Born
In January 2001, Deni Avdija was born in Israel. He is an Israeli professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA.
2013: Joined Maccabi Tel Aviv
In 2013, Deni Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv after playing for Bnei Herzliya Basket, excelling as a youth player.
2013: Joined 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: Professional Debut in Israeli Basketball Premier League
On 19 November 2017, Deni Avdija made his professional debut in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, becoming the youngest player to ever play for the club's senior team.
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.
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 for Israel at FIBA U16 European Championship
In 2017, Deni Avdija competed for Israel at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Podgorica, leading the tournament in rebounds and assists.
2017: Debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv 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: Played at 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: Won Gold Medal at 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: Named Camp MVP at Basketball Without Borders Europe
In August 2018, Deni Avdija participated in Basketball Without Borders Europe in Belgrade and was named the camp MVP.
November 2018: EuroLeague Debut
On 22 November 2018, Deni Avdija made his EuroLeague debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv in a game against Fenerbahçe, scoring two points.
February 2019: Named MVP of Basketball Without Borders Global Camp
In February 2019, Deni Avdija was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.
February 2019: Debut for Israeli Senior National Team
On 21 February 2019, Deni Avdija made his debut for the Israeli senior national team in a win over Germany.
October 2019: First EuroLeague Start
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 victory over Valencia.
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 the tournament's MVP.
2019: Led Maccabi Tel Aviv to Israeli Youth State Championships
Until 2019, Deni Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships.
January 2020: Career-High 22 Points vs. Hapoel Holon
On 11 January 2020, Deni Avdija recorded a then career-high of 22 points in a win over Hapoel Holon.
January 2020: Named Israeli Player of the Month
On 31 January 2020, Deni Avdija was named Israeli Player of the Month in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
February 2020: 21 Points Against Romania
On 24 February 2020, Deni Avdija recorded 21 points and eight rebounds in a victory over Romania during the EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers.
April 2020: Drafted into the IDF for Short Service
On 1 April 2020, Deni Avdija was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for a short service while the basketball season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season
In July 2020, Deni Avdija's dunk over Luigi Datome during a game against Fenerbahçe was named EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season.
December 2020: Signed Rookie Contract with Washington Wizards
On 1 December 2020, Deni Avdija signed a rookie contract with the Washington Wizards after being drafted.
2020: Declared for NBA Draft and Drafted by Washington Wizards
In 2020, Deni Avdija declared for the NBA draft and was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the 9th overall pick.
January 2021: Career-High 20 Points vs. Miami Heat
On 9 January 2021, Deni Avdija recorded a then-career-high 20 points against the Miami Heat.
2021: Played 82 Games in 2021-22 Season
During the 2021-22 season, Avdija played all 82 games while averaging 8.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
2021: Played EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers
In February 2020, Deni Avdija recorded 21 points and eight rebounds in a victory over Romania during the EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers.
February 2022: Career High in Rebounds
On 14 February 2022, Avdija set a then career high in rebounds with 15 in a 103–94 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
2022: Wrote "Am Yisrael Chai" on Shoes
In 2022, after a series of terrorist attacks in Israel, Deni Avdija wrote the Jewish solidarity phrase "Am Yisrael Chai" in Hebrew on his shoes.
January 2023: Career High in Rebounds and Points
On 11 January 2023, Deni Avdija set a new career high in rebounds with 20. On 30 January 2023, Avdija set a then career high in points with 25.
October 2023: Contract Extension with Washington Wizards
On 22 October 2023, Deni Avdija and the Washington Wizards agreed to a 4-year, $55 million contract extension.
2023: Finished 2023-24 Season Averaging Career Highs
Deni Avdija finished the 2023-24 season averaging career highs across every major statistical category, including 14.7 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists 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 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
July 2024: Traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
On 6 July 2024, Deni Avdija was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon, and several draft selections.
2024: Sat Out Preseason Game for Yom Kippur
In 2024, Deni Avdija sat out his first preseason game with the Portland Trail Blazers to observe the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
2025: Recorded First Triple-Double
In March 2025, Deni Avdija recorded his first triple-double against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
