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 aggressive, fast-paced style, he primarily plays power forward. Before joining the NBA, Avdija played for Maccabi Tel Aviv from 2017 to 2020, and then played for the Washington Wizards from 2020 to 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Zufer Avdija won Bronze Medal

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

January 2001: Deni Avdija Born

In January 2001, Deni Avdija was born. He is an Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2013: Joined Maccabi Tel Aviv

In 2013, Deni Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv, 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: Signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv

On November 5, 2017, Deni Avdija started his professional career by signing a six-year deal with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

2017: Led Maccabi Tel Aviv to Championships

From 2017 to 2019, Deni Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships.

2017: Played for Maccabi Tel Aviv

In 2017, Deni Avdija began playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He played for the team until 2020.

2017: Competed at 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, while also scoring 15.3 points per game.

2017: Debut 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: 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: Played 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: Participated in Basketball Without Borders Europe

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

November 2018: EuroLeague Debut

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

December 2018: Won 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 in 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, where he was selected to the all-tournament team.

February 2019: Named MVP of 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 February 21, 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 EuroLeague Start

On October 24, 2019, at the age of 18, Deni Avdija made his first start in the EuroLeague, recording six points and three rebounds in 16 minutes in a 76–63 victory over Valencia.

2019: Led Maccabi Tel Aviv to Championships

From 2017 to 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 and was named tournament MVP.

January 2020: Named Israeli Player of the Month

On January 31, 2020, Deni Avdija was named Israeli Player of the Month in the Israeli Basketball Premier League after averaging 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

February 2020: Recorded 21 Points Against Romania

On February 24, 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 IDF for Short Service

On April 1, 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 the game against Fenerbahçe was named EuroLeague Magic Moment of the Season.

December 2020: Signed Rookie Contract with Wizards

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

2020: 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: Recorded Career-High 20 Points

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

2021: Played All 82 Games

During the 2021–22 season, Deni Avdija played all 82 games, averaging 8.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

2021: Played in EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers

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

February 2022: Set Career High in Rebounds

On February 14, 2022, Deni 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 early 2022, after a series of Palestinian attacks in Israel, Deni Avdija wrote the Jewish phrase "Am Yisrael Chai" in Hebrew on his shoes.

January 2023: Set Career High in Rebounds and Points

In January 2023, Deni Avdija set a new career high in rebounds with 20 in a 100–97 win against the Chicago Bulls on January 11, and set a then career high in points with 25 in a 127–109 win against the San Antonio Spurs on January 30.

October 2023: Agreed to Contract Extension with Wizards

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

2023: Averaged Career Highs

In the 2023–24 season, Deni Avdija finished 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: Posted Career High in Points

On February 14, 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.

July 2024: Traded to Portland Trail Blazers

On July 6, 2024, Deni Avdija was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon, and several draft selections.

2024: Played for Portland Trail Blazers

In 2024, Deni Avdija began playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

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.

March 2, 2025: Recorded First Triple-Double

On March 2, 2025, Deni Avdija recorded his first triple-double against 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 up to that point.

April 2, 2025: Recorded Second Triple-Double

On April 2, 2025, Deni Avdija recorded his second triple-double in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes of playing time.