Deni Avdija has addressed his absence from Israel during European qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Portland Trail Blazers forward said sitting out this summer FIBA windows was not his decision and that the club held him out because of the back injury that shaped his last NBA season.
An absence that stirred debate in Israel
Avdija missing the window became one of the talking points for the national team after a 106-86 loss to Poland, a result that left Israel out of direct contention in its European qualifying group. Without its top offensive reference, the side could not offset Poland run in a game that carried heavy ticket implications.
The player made clear he remains fully committed to Israel and that the choice not to play those games did not come from him.
The back injury that shaped the summer
Avdija described a complex lumbar issue carried over from last season, when the problem limited his production and forced careful minute management. In his account, Portland medical staff viewed the summer as a recovery period rather than a time to add international load.
He said he understands the club protecting a key rotation piece, while also stating his intention to wear Israel uniform again as soon as his body allows.
Israel runs out of room on the road to Qatar 2027
Israel elimination from European qualifying raises the stakes on every remaining window in a demanding group. The loss to Poland closed a phase in which Avdija absence was felt sharply in perimeter creation and offensive continuity.
The international calendar now leaves Israel with limited direct paths to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while the Israeli forward works toward full health with the Blazers.
Renewed commitment to the national team
Avdija closed his message by reaffirming his bond with Israel and his plan to return when club and body align. In a summer shaped by injuries and international availability debates, he sought clarity: the absence was imposed, not chosen.
Avdija explanation of his back injury and qualifying absence was reported by RealGM — Basketball Wiretap, ClutchPoints — NBA and TalkBasket.
