Deni Avdija Biography: Deni Avdija born January 3, 2001 is an Israeli professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays as a small forward and is nicknamed “Turbo” due to his fast-paced style and aggressive play. The son of Serbian-Gorani former basketball player Zufer Avdija, Deni began playing basketball in fourth grade for his local team, Bnei Herzliya Basket, before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2013. He showed exceptional talent as a youth player and made his senior debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2017, at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. Two years later, Avdija made history again as the youngest player to win the Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP award, while also leading his team to the league championship.
Deni Avdija Biography
Deni Avdija is an Israeli-Serbian professional basketball player known for his versatility, high basketball IQ, and impressive all-around skills. Emerging from Israel’s basketball scene, Avdija has become one of the top international talents in the NBA. Currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, he continues to make significant strides in his career.
Deni Avdija Biography Details
| Born |
3 January 2001 (age 24)
Beit Zera, Israel |
| Nationality |
Israeli / Serbian |
| Listed height |
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight |
240 lb (109 kg) |
| NBA draft |
2020: 1st round, 9th overall pick |
| Playing career |
2017–present |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He plays the small forward position. Nicknamed “Turbo” for his fast-paced drive and aggressive playing style.
- Born: 3 January 2001 (age 24 years), Beit Zera, Israel
- Current team: Portland Trail Blazers (#8 / Power forward, Small forward)
- Height: 06 m
- Dates joined: 2024 (Portland Trail Blazers), 2020 (Washington Wizards)
- Parents: Zufer Avdija, Sharon Artzi
Early Life and Youth Career
Avdija was born in the kibbutz Beit Zera in Israel. His mother, Sharon Artzi, is an Israeli Jew and a former track and field and basketball player, while his father, Zufer Avdija, is an Israeli citizen of Serbian Gorani-Muslim descent who played for the Yugoslavia national team before moving to Israel to play professionally. Deni initially played association football until his fourth grade when a friend, Itamar Vule, encouraged him to try basketball due to his height.
He quickly developed a passion for basketball and joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system in 2013, playing under coach Shai Omer. Between 2017 and 2019, Avdija led Maccabi Tel Aviv to three consecutive Israeli youth state championships. In August 2018, he participated in the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Belgrade, where he was named the MVP. Before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv, Avdija began his youth career at Bnei Herzliya and in January 2019, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s U18 team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Munich.
Key Details
- Full Name: Deni Avdija
- Date of Birth: January 3, 2001
- Place of Birth: Beit Zera, Israel
- Nationality: Israeli / Serbian
- Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
- Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
- Position: Small Forward
- Current Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Draft Year: 2020
- Net Worth: $15.62 million
- Parents: Zufer Avdija (father), Sharon Artzi (mother)
- Relationship Status: Not publicly disclosed
Family Background
Deni Avdija was born in Beit Zera, Israel, into a family with a strong sports background. His father, Zufer Avdija, was a professional basketball player who represented Yugoslavia before moving to Israel to continue his career. His mother, Sharon Artzi, was a track and field athlete and also played basketball. Avdija’s athletic environment heavily influenced his early interest in sports. Although he initially played soccer, Avdija switched to basketball in fourth grade, encouraged by friends and family. His height and natural athleticism made basketball a fitting choice, setting the stage for his future career.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Avdija joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system in 2013 and quickly rose as one of Israel’s most promising young players. By 2017, at just 16 years old, he made his senior team debut, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. Avdija’s growth continued as he played a key role in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s success in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. In 2020, he made history as the youngest MVP in league history, cementing his status as a top NBA prospect.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Avdija was selected 9th overall by the Washington Wizards, marking him as one of the highest-drafted Israeli players in NBA history. His rookie season showcased his potential, particularly his playmaking, defense, and rebounding skills. Despite facing challenges such as limited playing time and adjusting to the NBA’s physicality, Avdija steadily improved and became a regular starter by his third season, showing his impact on both ends of the court.
Notable Achievements
- 2020 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP (youngest ever)
- FIBA U20 European Championship MVP (2019) – Led Israel to a gold medal
- NBA Career Bests: 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game (2024 stats)
- Selected 9th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Avdija remains a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers. His well-rounded game, including improved three-point shooting and defensive versatility, has made him a valuable asset to the team’s lineup. Avdija has also been an advocate for Israeli basketball, mentoring young prospects and promoting the sport in his home country.
Personal Life and Relationships
Avdija is known to keep his personal life private. While there have been rumors about relationships, no confirmed details have been released regarding his partner. He is a dual citizen of Israel and Serbia and embraces both cultures. He also observes Jewish traditions, including skipping a 2024 preseason game in observance of Yom Kippur.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Fluent in Multiple Languages: Learned English through video games and TV shows.
- Soccer Background: Played soccer before fully committing to basketball.
- Youngest MVP: Holds the record as the youngest MVP in Israeli basketball history.
- Gaming Enthusiast: Enjoys playing video games, especially Call of Duty and FIFA.
- Patriotic Supporter: Represents Israel in FIBA competitions and inspires young athletes in his home country.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Beyond basketball, Avdija is deeply involved in charitable efforts in Israel. He supports youth basketball programs and has taken part in various fundraising initiatives for children’s health and education. As the highest-drafted Israeli player in NBA history, he has become a role model for young athletes aspiring to make it to the league.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Looking to the future, Avdija aims to continue developing his game with the goal of becoming an NBA All-Star. His combination of playmaking, defense, and leadership makes him a key asset for any team. In addition to his on-court ambitions, Avdija’s influence on Israeli basketball continues to grow, with many young players viewing him as a source of inspiration for their own careers.
Deni Avdija Net Worth
As of 2025, Deni Avdija’s net worth is estimated to be around $15.62 million, based on his current NBA salary for the 2025 season.
