Before the start of this summer’s FIBA EuroBasket tournament, Deni Avdija confirmed his participation representing Israel while publicly defending his home country in the midst of ongoing criticism related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. His stance stirred significant backlash, particularly from Anna Horford, sister of NBA All-Star Al Horford, who launched a sharp critique of Avdija on social media.
Anna Horford condemned Avdija’s defense of Israel in a tweet, stating,
“This is like a Nazi trying to justify the Holocaust… You can’t ‘both sides’ what Isr*el is doing. Isr*eli denial & lack of accountability will be studied for decades to come. The NBA is made worse by his presence,”
expressing strong disapproval of Avdija’s remarks and participation amidst the conflict.
Deni Avdija’s Explanation and Readiness to Inform on Israel’s Position
Responding to the scrutiny, Deni Avdija expressed a willingness to educate Americans about the situation in Israel, emphasizing his perspective as factual and just. He told Ynet,
“Not everyone understands 100 % what is happening in Israel. Many are interested, and I always explain the whole situation properly, from the right and good side. I try to show reality as much as possible.”
Despite Horford’s criticisms, Avdija has yet to publicly respond to her specific comments.
NBA Players Poised to Represent Their Nations at EuroBasket 2024
The FIBA EuroBasket tournament, starting August 27, will feature NBA players from multiple countries, including Deni Avdija for Israel. Israel is placed in Group D, competing alongside France, Iceland, Poland, Belgium, and Slovenia. Other notable NBA players set to participate come from a variety of nations, with several teams fielding multiple NBA talents.
Here is the detailed roster of NBA players competing at EuroBasket by country:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Jusuf Nurkić, Utah Jazz
- Luka Garza, Boston Celtics
France
- Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
- Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets
- Ousmane Dieng, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
- Guerschon Yabusele, New York Knicks
Germany
- Tristan Da Silva, Orlando Magic
- Dennis Schroder, Sacramento Kings
- Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Greece
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Israel
- Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
- Ben Saraf, Brooklyn Nets
Italy
- Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Simone Fontecchio, Miami Heat
Latvia
- Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks
Lithuania
- Jonas Valančiūnas, Denver Nuggets
Montenegro
- Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Poland
- Igor Miličić, Philadelphia 76ers
- Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
Portugal
- Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
Slovenia
- Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Spain
- Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
- Eli Ndiaye, Atlanta Hawks
Sweden
- Bobi Klintman, Detroit Pistons
- Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat
Türkiye
- Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
While many NBA stars are committed, it remains unclear if Nikola Jokic will participate for Serbia.
Broader Implications of the Controversy During International Competition
The clash between Anna Horford and Deni Avdija highlights how deeply sensitive geopolitical issues can arise in the world of international sports. As Avdija prepares to represent Israel on a global basketball stage, his outspoken defense of Israel’s position has fueled debate and tension. This incident underscores the challenges athletes face when their personal convictions intersect with political conflicts, an element that could influence both fan and player dynamics during EuroBasket.
Moving forward, the responses from both the basketball community and fans will likely impact conversations around athlete activism and international competition. The EuroBasket tournament offers a venue not only for sporting excellence but also for the careful navigation of complex social and political discourse.