Deni Avdija is in the middle of the best season of his NBA career, but the conversation around his rise has often drifted away from basketball, and thats whats wearing him down.
As his numbers climb and his role grows in Portland, Avdija has found himself repeatedly dealing with online backlash tied to his Israeli nationality, a situation he says has become draining and frustrating.
Im an athlete. I dont really get into politics, because its not my job, Avdija told The Athletics Jason Quick. I obviously stand for my country, because thats where Im from. Its frustrating to see all the hate. Like, I have a good game or get All-Star votes, and all the comments are people connecting me to politics.
Like, why cant I just be a good basketball player? Why does it matter if Im from Israel, or wherever in the world, or what my race is? Just respect me as a basketball player.
Avdija didnt hold back when describing how the constant political commentary affects him, especially when it comes from people he feels dont fully understand the situation.
You dont have to love what I stand for or how I look, but if Im a good player, give props, Avdija said. All this hate for no reason. Like, Im deciding things in the world. Ill be honest: What do people expect me to do? This is my country, where I was born, where I grew up. I love my country; there are a lot of great things about my country. But obviously, not everyone is educated and knows what is going on, and thats what pisses me off. Because if you are educated and know what is going on, its fine to say what you think and say who you think is right or wrong. But if you are not educated and you are not part of the Middle East, and you dont understand how long this goes back and understand the consequences and everything just dont say anything.
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