The forecast for Deni Avdija: "He may climb quickly"
The Israeli finished a career-best season with the Portland Trail Blazers, but it seems he still has room to grow. The HoopsHype website included the forward in its list of the best international players of all time, noting his potential for further improvement.
The 2025/26 season was Deni Avdija's big breakout year in the NBA. The Israeli became an All-Star for the first time in his career, averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, proving he is capable of being a cornerstone player in the tough Western Conference.
Now, the big question is whether this is the peak of Avdija's ability or merely the starting point for the rest of his career. The American website HoopsHype updated its ranking of the best international basketball players of all time and placed the Israeli at 75th out of 80.
"Few players have recently recorded a breakout as big as Deni Avdija last season, when he became an All-Star in the tough Western Conference after averaging 24/6/6. Was this a one-time flash, or will Avdija manage to maintain this level for years? And perhaps he is even capable of improving even more?"
According to the site, one of the keys to this will be outside shooting. Avdija shot less than 32 percent from three last season, so a significant improvement in this aspect could make him an even more dangerous player:
"Avdija has become a significant force in ball handling in the half-court and in transition from defense to offense. If he manages to improve his outside shooting, it is certainly possible that he will reach an even higher level."
The ranking is based on success and titles from an American perspective, as well as on impact and career in international tournaments and the NBA. For context, Marcin Gortat is ranked 70th, while Serbian player Bogdan Bogdanovic sits at 76th.
