Deni Avdija misses Israel's FIBA qualifiers due to back injury

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija will not participate in upcoming FIBA qualifiers for the Israel national team. Avdija stated that his absence follows a decision made in coordination with the Trail Blazers organization, which sought to avoid risks regarding a complex back injury he sustained during the summer. While expressing a desire to play for his national team, the forward noted that he was not given medical clearance to compete. This situation mirrors recent player availability issues seen with other international stars. Beyond his current injury recovery, Avdija continues to be a focal point for Portland, where the organization recently overhauled its roster to include Ja Morant and Damian Lillard. His professional development remains a point of interest for other NBA players, including Matas Buzelis, who has sought to train with him to refine offensive movement.

• 12:16 PMYahoo Sports — Deni Avdija on missing Israel's FIBA qualifiers: 'Portland wasn't willing to take a risk with my health'