Deni Avdija on Stardom, Loneliness and Family Pressure

In a wide-ranging interview published on June 19, 2026, 25-year-old NBA star Deni Avdija spoke candidly about the pressure, loneliness and demands that come with being Israel’s biggest basketball name and one of the league’s 24 All-Stars. The piece follows a recent season in Portland and includes an on-court one-on-one exchange with interviewer Danny Kushmaro, where Avdija joked that competition never stops, even off the scoreboard.

Avdija said his height changed dramatically at 15, when he grew 12 or 13 centimeters over a few months, and admitted that being 2.04 meters tall can be awkward in daily life. “Please, airlines, make one seat for tall people,” he said. He also recalled that at 17 he publicly said he wanted to surpass Omri Casspi, and added now, “I hope they forgive me,” while emphasizing that he meant respect for Casspi, not disrespect.

Much of the interview focused on his father, former Yugoslav national-team player Zoran Avdija, whose strict style shaped him. Deni described postgame car rides full of shouting and tears after losses, but said the mix of “warm Israeli” and “cold Serbian” upbringing formed his mentality. He said he is aggressive on the court, never afraid of facing stars like LeBron James, and views trash talk as part of a mental game. He also revealed that during a severe car crash in Portland, he and his father were hit head-on after another driver ran a red light, the car was totaled, his father cut his hand badly, and he was out about a month after playing the next day and later aggravating his back.

Avdija said the money and fame have improved his lifestyle, but “did not change a single bit” of who he is. He lives in Portland with his mother, often alone, and said the city is isolated but pleasant, with a lake and a boat. He said relationships are difficult because of travel, workload and exposure, and added, “I think it scares a lot of girls.” He also discussed antisemitic and hostile reactions online, contrasted with strong support from Israeli and Jewish fans in arenas, and said he feels responsible to represent Israel. Looking ahead, he wants to keep breaking barriers, chase a championship, and eventually live in Israel with a family of his own.