Deni Avdija Invites Inspiring Israeli Youth to Shoot Hoops at NBA Game
NBA star Deni Avdija invited Naor Piron, an inspiring Israeli youth with a severe physical disability who shoots hoops with his feet, to shoot at an NBA halftime game.
A single Instagram video led to an especially emotional gesture from NBA player Deni Avdija. Naor Piron, the son of former Education Minister Rabbi Shai Piron, uploaded a video showing himself scoring a basket using his feet—and then received an unexpected response from the Portland Trail Blazers star.
"Instagram is a crazy place because I can upload a video of myself shooting a basket with my feet and a guy named Deni Avdija will comment, 'Come shoot at halftime at an NBA game,'" Piron wrote.
Avdija did indeed respond to the video and did not stop at a compliment. "Come shoot at halftime at my game?" the Israeli star wrote, turning the social media exchange into an invitation that could produce a particularly emotional moment on the NBA parquet.
Piron has dealt with a severe physical disability affecting all four limbs since birth. Over the years, he has learned to perform many activities using his feet, including playing computer games and shooting hoops. In 2018, he already gained exposure when a video of him playing "Fortnite" with his feet was published alongside a wish to play with gaming star "Ninja."
In recent years, Piron has continued to break further boundaries. He studied acting, trained in jiu-jitsu, and insisted on enlisting in ЦАХАЛ despite the exemption he received due to his physical condition. He ultimately volunteered for service and serves in the Пикуд ха-Ореф.
Naor is the adoptive son of Rabbi Shai Piron, who served as a Кнессет member for «Еш Атид» and as Education Minister in the 33rd government of Israel. The Piron family adopted Naor when he was an infant, and his father has spoken extensively over the years about the family's journey.
Now, if Avdija's invitation materializes, Piron's next shot could happen on a much bigger stage—during an NBA game.
