Israeli Basketball Official Explains Player Absences from National Team

Motty Daniel, manager of the Israeli national basketball team, addressed recent criticism regarding player absences, particularly from star player Deni Avdija. Daniel explained that Avdija's absence from recent national team games was due to contractual and insurance issues, not a lack of commitment.

Daniel clarified that Avdija's NBA contract with the Portland Trail Blazers includes an insurance exclusion for back injuries. If Avdija were to play for the national team and re-injure his back, his contract would be voided. Furthermore, due to this insurance exclusion, the Portland Trail Blazers exercised their veto power and prevented Avdija from joining the team.

"We cannot chase anyone. We don't have the option to bring him by force," Daniel stated, emphasizing that while the accumulation of player absences looks bad, each case has its own valid reasons. He affirmed his belief in Avdija's commitment to the national team, calling his explanation "logical."

Daniel also touched upon the absence of Ben Sherf, explaining that the team had requested his release from the Brooklyn Nets early in the summer. The Nets responded with a lengthy letter stating Sherf would not be released for the national team window, and the team had no recourse. Daniel noted that Sherf likely has no say in the matter with his club.