Israel Basketball Team Manager Blames NBA Insurance for Avdija's Absence

The Israeli national basketball team's chance to qualify for the World Championship has ended after a loss to Latvia. Motty Daniel, the team manager, expressed his disappointment with the campaign's outcome, stating that the team had higher expectations but faced numerous setbacks.

Daniel addressed the team's morale, asserting that it remained strong despite playing with a weaker roster than Israel's potential allowed. He acknowledged that while no one intentionally caused issues, the cumulative effect of absences was painful.

Regarding the absence of NBA players, Daniel revealed that the team had approached the Portland Trail Blazers about Deni Avdija and the Brooklyn Nets about Dragan Bender and Yovel Zoosman. However, the NBA teams exercised their right to refuse, effectively vetoing the players' participation. Daniel clarified that Avdija's absence was not due to a previous injury but a lack of insurance coverage. He explained that if Avdija were to get injured with the national team, he would not be insured for his prior injury, and thus, he was not permitted to play without this coverage.

Daniel emphasized that Avdija himself desired to play for Israel, describing him as a pawn in a larger game controlled by others. He concluded by stating that while he wished for all players to be available, it was not within his control. Daniel lamented that the team never fielded its strongest lineup during the campaign, which he felt should have been a national priority, and that expecting miracles without a full squad was unrealistic.