Israeli Forward Deni Avdija Ranked Among NBA's Top 30 Players

ESPN's annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players has placed Israeli forward Deni Avdija at number 27 for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. This significant jump from his previous ranking of 66th represents a 39-spot improvement and underscores the growing recognition of his abilities within the league. ESPN highlighted Avdija's unexpected rise, noting that few anticipated his rapid development after being traded from the Wizards to the Trail Blazers in 2024. His breakout 2025-2026 season saw career highs in points, efficiency rating, and Win Shares, earning him his first All-Star selection and leading Portland to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Furthermore, ESPN pointed to Avdija's current contract, worth $13.1 million, as a significant value, describing him as one of the NBA's best bargains for the 2026-2027 season, as his salary falls below the mid-level exception threshold. Avdija's ranking places him ahead of notable players such as Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Paolo Banchero, LaMelo Ball, Pascal Siakam, and James Harden.

The ESPN rankings also noted other significant shifts, including LeBron James falling out of the top 10 for the first time since the list's inception in 2011-2012, landing at 18th. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant also dropped out of the top 10, ranked 12th.