Deni Avdija Portland Trail Blazers 2026 NBA season start, Digi Mart USA News: Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is already proving that his breakout year was no fluke. Following his historic season last year, in which he became the first Israeli All-Star in NBA history, Avdija has continued his strong play through the first seven games of the young season.
Through the first seven games, the Trail Blazers are 6-1, best in the Western Conference. Avdija is averaging 23.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game, with two double-doubles.
Avdija was joined in Portland this season by fellow All-Stars Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, who joined in 2025 but did not play due to injury. Even so, the 25-year-old Israeli is still viewed as the team’s leader on offense.
As The Athletic reported this week, that dynamic was secured during a phone call over the summer between Avdija and new Portland head coach Micah Nori.
Avdija, coming off a superb 2025-26 campaign, was concerned about his role entering this season with the addition of Morant and Lillard. Nori assured Avdija that his new teammates would only benefit him and his growth.
“He just was aware of what my strengths are, and he wanted me to continue the progression I made last season, he told me that was very important for him,” Avdija said. “I felt that.
And I felt he really knew what was best for the team.”
So far, so good. Avdija not only leads the Trail Blazers in scoring, but also in minutes and field goal attempts per game.
The fact that he is the team’s clear No. 1, even with a much-improved roster, speaks volumes about his ascension into one of the sport’s best players.
Elsewhere in Jewish sports, designated hitter and Team Israel alum Joc Pederson has declined his $18 million mutual option with the Texas Rangers and become a free agent after hitting 26 home runs for Texas in 2026. Fellow Team Israel mainstay Garrett Stubbs is also a free agent after his long run with the Philadelphia Phillies came to an end.
Alex Bregman, fresh off winning his second career Gold Glove last week, is a finalist for the National League Silver Slugger Award at third base. Bregman hit 28 home runs in his first season with the Chicago Cubs.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was again named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the contributor category. One candidate from the category will be chosen for consideration in the 2027 class, with final results to be announced in February.
