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Israeli NBA Star Makes History as Spike Lee Wears Pro-Palestine Outfit
Deni Avdija becomes first Israeli player in NBA All-Star Game as Spike Lee and Kyrie Irving make political statements
Feb. 17, 2026 at 7:39am
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The 2026 NBA All-Star Game made history as Deni Avdija became the first Israeli player to appear in the league's midseason showcase. Avdija, representing Team World, scored five points with four assists and a dunk at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, filmmaker Spike Lee attended the game wearing a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit, and Kyrie Irving wore a 'PRESS' T-shirt dedicated to journalists in Gaza. The historic moment for Avdija intersected with ongoing political tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Why it matters
Avdija's appearance in the NBA All-Star Game is a significant milestone for Israeli basketball and represents the growing global reach of the sport. However, the political statements by Lee and Irving highlight the continued intersection of sports and geopolitics, particularly around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which has often surfaced at international sporting events.
The details
Avdija, who plays for the Washington Wizards, became the first Israeli player to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game. His jersey featured the Israeli flag, drawing pride from fans back home. In his postgame press conference, Avdija spoke about representing his entire nation. Meanwhile, filmmaker Spike Lee wore a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit to the game, including a keffiyeh-patterned sweater and flag badges. Kyrie Irving, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023 following controversy over promoting an antisemitic film, wore a 'PRESS' T-shirt dedicated to journalists in Gaza.
- The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place on February 15, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
- Deni Avdija was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Israeli player to do so.
The players
Deni Avdija
An Israeli basketball player who plays for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He became the first Israeli player to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game.
Spike Lee
An American filmmaker who attended the NBA All-Star Game wearing a Palestinian flag-inspired outfit, including a keffiyeh-patterned sweater and flag badges.
Kyrie Irving
An NBA player who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023 following controversy over promoting an antisemitic film. He wore a 'PRESS' T-shirt dedicated to journalists in Gaza during the All-Star Game.
What they’re saying
“I feel like when I come to play, I come with the entire nation. It's fun to show that it's possible, even for a small country like us.”
— Deni Avdija
“I hoped to inspire people in Israel not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life.”
— LeBron James
The takeaway
Deni Avdija's historic appearance in the NBA All-Star Game as the first Israeli player highlights the growing global reach of the sport. However, the political statements made by Spike Lee and Kyrie Irving at the event underscore the continued intersection of sports and geopolitics, particularly around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
