Spike Lee, Kyrie Irving Wear Pro-Palestinian Outfits to NBA All-Star Game

Event features first Israeli player Deni Avdija's All-Star debut

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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At the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, filmmaker Spike Lee wore a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit, while basketball player Kyrie Irving donned a shirt dedicated to journalists in Gaza. The event also marked the first All-Star appearance for Israeli player Deni Avdija, whose jersey featured an Israeli flag.

Why it matters

The presence of pro-Palestinian attire at the high-profile NBA event highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even in the world of sports. Avdija's participation as the first Israeli All-Star player is seen as a source of national pride, while the outfits worn by Lee and Irving aim to draw attention to the Palestinian cause.

The details

Deni Avdija, a 24-year-old Israeli player, scored 5 points and had 4 assists and 1 dunk in his first NBA All-Star Game appearance. Avdija's jersey featured an Israeli flag, reflecting his status as the first Israeli player to ever participate in the All-Star event. Meanwhile, filmmaker Spike Lee wore a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit, including a keffiyeh-patterned sweater and flag badges on his bag strap. Basketball player Kyrie Irving, who was not playing in the game, wore a t-shirt that said 'PRESS' on the front, which was dedicated to journalists in Gaza.

  • Deni Avdija made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance in 2026.

The players

Deni Avdija

A 24-year-old Israeli basketball player who made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance, the first Israeli player to do so.

Spike Lee

An American filmmaker who wore a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit to the NBA All-Star Game.

Kyrie Irving

An American basketball player who wore a t-shirt dedicated to journalists in Gaza to the NBA All-Star Game.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like when I come to play, I come with the entire nation, and it's fun to show that it's possible, even for a small country like us.”

— Deni Avdija (JTA.org)

“I hope I inspire people over there not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life. Hopefully, someday I could make it over there. Like I said, I've never been over there, but I've heard nothing but great things. I appreciate the question.”

— LeBron James (JTA.org)

The takeaway

The presence of pro-Palestinian attire at the NBA All-Star Game, alongside the historic participation of the first Israeli player, Deni Avdija, reflects the ongoing tensions and political divides that can spill over into the world of sports. This event highlights how high-profile athletic competitions can become platforms for broader social and political statements.