By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a hard-fought battle against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija took a moment to address his complex international heritage. Amidst a career-best season where he is averaging 24.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, the 25-year-old was asked by KOS Magazin about the hypothetical of representing Serbia at the international level, alongside Nikola Jokic, a path his father, Zufer Avdija, might have once envisioned.
Zufer, a legendary figure in Yugoslav basketball, captained Crvena Zvezda in the 1980s and earned a bronze medal with the Yugoslavian national team at the FIBA World Championship 1982. Despite this deep Serbian connection, Deni reaffirmed his commitment to the Israeli blue and white.
“Obviously, Serbia is a great team, and they’ve got great players, and obviously I would fit there,” Avdija admitted. “But I grew up in Israel. My whole family is there. I love Serbia. I love watching them play. I’ve visited multiple times. I have a lot of family there. But, at the end of the day, I got to choose where I grew up. When I was 16, it was a different time, and I was a different player. So, back then, I didn’t really think I could participate in this level. And, it ended up being that I can, but I guess it’s too late, and I’m happy with my choice.”
When asked how his father views his career trajectory, Deni noted that Zufer prioritizes growth over jersey colors. “He just wants me to be healthy and happy. He’s probably proud inside, deep inside, but, for him, he wants me to be the best I can and to fulfill my potential, and, obviously, he enjoyed it, but I think the most he cares about is winning. And, that’s about the person.”
Deni Avdija answering my question about him switching to play for Serbian NT while Nikola Jokić is still in his prime, something Deni’s father Zufer,who was @kkcrvenazvezda captain & Yugoslav NT player in the 80’s would have liked him to do:
“I’m happy with my choice”#KSSrbije pic.twitter.com/iVUUlbVIYs
— Darko Dželetović (@DarkoBasketball) March 16, 2026
While the what-if of an Avdija-Jokic duo remains a dream for Serbian fans, Deni continues to build his own legacy, fresh off becoming the first Israeli NBA All-Star.