Deni Avdija's Free-Throw Controversy Sparks Global Backlash

The Trail Blazers star's playing style has ignited debate over his Israeli background and the Gaza conflict.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Deni Avdija, the rising star of the Portland Trail Blazers, has found himself at the center of a global controversy over his basketball playing style. Avdija's reliance on drawing fouls and taking free throws has drawn both praise for his success and harsh criticism, with some linking his tactics to his Israeli nationality and military service. As tensions escalate over Israel's actions in Gaza, Avdija has become a symbolic target, facing accusations that go beyond basketball. The debate exposes the challenges athletes face in navigating the intersection of sports, politics, and personal identity.

Why it matters

Avdija's case highlights how an athlete's nationality can become a lightning rod for broader political and social tensions. While his basketball skills have earned him accolades, his background as an Israeli has made him a target for criticism over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, blurring the line between sports and geopolitics. This controversy raises important questions about the responsibilities of public figures, the complexities of military service, and the dangers of oversimplifying complex realities.

The details

Avdija's reliance on drawing fouls and taking free throws has been a key part of his game, helping him become an All-Star and leading the Trail Blazers to a potential playoff berth. However, this approach has drawn criticism from rival players and fans, who view it as exploiting officiating for extra points. Avdija's background as an Israeli, including his documented service in the Israel Defense Forces, has further complicated the discourse, with some linking him to the broader conflict in Gaza and accusing him of being a 'terrorist' or 'genocidal.' While there is no evidence implicating Avdija in any war crimes, the backlash has transformed him from an athlete into a proxy in the international debate over the violence against Palestinians.

  • Avdija enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in April 2020 during the NBA's pandemic pause.
  • In a March 2025 interview, Avdija expressed pride in representing Israel and stated, 'I love Israel.'

The players

Deni Avdija

A rising star of the Portland Trail Blazers, known for his aggressive playing style and reliance on drawing fouls and taking free throws. Avdija was born on a kibbutz in northern Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces before his NBA career took off.

Tari Eason

A forward for the Houston Rockets, who attributed Avdija's success at drawing fouls to 'Zebras,' referring to the referees.

Hunter Hess

A freestyle skier who represented the United States at the recent Winter Olympics and expressed mixed feelings about representing the country amid the current political climate.

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What they’re saying

“I'm an athlete. I don't really get into politics, because it's not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that's where I'm from. It's frustrating to see all the hate. Like, I have a good game or get All-Star votes, and all the comments are people connecting me to politics. Like, why can't I just be a good basketball player? Why does it matter if I'm from Israel, or wherever in the world, or what my race is? Just respect me as a basketball player.”

— Deni Avdija (The Athletic)

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now … It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. I think for me it's more I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US.”

— Hunter Hess, Freestyle Skier (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in Avdija's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to continue playing while the controversy unfolds.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and personal identity. While Avdija's basketball skills have earned him accolades, his background as an Israeli has made him a target for criticism over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The backlash he faces exposes the challenges athletes face in navigating these sensitive issues and the dangers of oversimplifying complex realities.