Israeli NBA Star Deni Avdija Ranked 75th Among Top International Players in History

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers has been ranked 75th on a prestigious list of the best international NBA players in history by the sports portal HoopsHype. This ranking follows Avdija's breakout season, during which he made his first All-Star appearance and played in the playoffs, averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. The list includes 80 top international players, highlighting Avdija's rapid rise in the league.

HoopsHype noted that few players have made such a significant leap recently and questioned whether Avdija's performance was a one-time peak or the start of sustained excellence. The site emphasized that improving his three-point shooting, which was below 32 percent last season, could elevate Avdija to an even higher level. His growing role as a key ball-handler and transition player was also highlighted as a strength.

The top three players on the list are Hakeem Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Nikola Jokic ranked fourth. Other notable players include Steve Nash in fifth and Pau Gasol in sixth. Luka Doncic was placed ninth. The list is updated annually, allowing players to move up or down based on their performance in future seasons.