Israeli Forward Deni Avdija Ranked Seventh Best Small Forward in NBA

The basketball analytics website HoopsHype has released its ranking of the top 27 small forwards in the NBA for the upcoming 2026-27 season, placing Israeli player Deni Avdija in a respectable seventh position. Avdija, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, was ranked above notable players such as Franz Wagner, Brandon Ingram, and Jimmy Butler.

HoopsHype highlighted Avdija's significant leap in performance during the 2025-26 season, where he was selected to his first All-Star game and averaged an impressive 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. This statistical output placed him in elite company, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, as one of only three players to achieve such averages that season.

The analysis praised Avdija's driving ability and effectiveness near the basket, noting his potential to become a difficult player to stop. There is optimism that his three-point shooting percentage will return to its previous levels, potentially making him a more dangerous offensive threat for the Trail Blazers, especially with the expected return of Damian Lillard and the addition of Ja Morant.

Avdija's contract for the upcoming season is set to exceed $13 million, which HoopsHype considers a highly valuable deal if he can replicate his 2025-26 performance, and an exceptional bargain if he improves further. The ranking also listed Jason Tatum, Cooper Flagg, and Jaylen Brown as the top three small forwards.