News and updates about NBA

After wearing PLO flag

Spike Lee denies slight against Deni Avdija

Spike Lee denies that wearing a PLO flag at the NBA All-Star Game was a slight against Israeli star Deni Avdija, claiming he was unaware of Avdija's nationality and only meant to show "concern for Palestinians."

Spike Lee denies slight against Deni Avdija

'Ban him from all arenas'

New York radio host slams Spike Lee for PLO flag at NBA All-Star

WFAN's Craig Carton calls for Spike Lee to be banned from NBA arenas after the director wore a Palestine Liberation Organization flag at the All-Star Game while Israeli star Deni Avdija made history.

New York radio host slams Spike Lee for PLO flag at NBA All-Star

LeBron James criticized after praising Israel

NBA superstar LeBron James faces online backlash after praising Israeli player Deni Avdija and saying he’s heard "great things" about Israel.

LeBron James criticized after praising Israel

Deni Avdija makes history as first Israeli NBA All-Star

Deni Avdija makes history as the first Israeli to play in the NBA All-Star Game. He finishes with 5 points, 4 assists, and plays key minutes for Team World, marking a historic achievement for Israel.

Deni Avdija makes history as first Israeli NBA All-Star

Watch:

LeBron James expresses desire to visit Israel, praises Avdija

Lakers superstar LeBron James expresses his desire to visit Israel someday, praises Deni Avdija's All-Star selection, and encourages his Israeli fans to follow his career for inspiration both in sports and life.

LeBron James expresses desire to visit Israel, praises Avdija

Israeli-Turkish cooperation expected at NBA All-Star game

After initially being left off the roster, Houston Rockets Turkish center Alperen Şengün named to the All-Star team as an injury replacement and will take part alongside Deni Avdija.

Israeli-Turkish cooperation expected at NBA All-Star game

Online hate against Deni Avdija following Netanyahu's message

Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian users attacked the star who became the first Israeli chosen for the NBA All-Star after Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated him.

Online hate against Deni Avdija following Netanyahu's message

'You are the GOAT'

Ambassador Leiter celebrates Avdija’s All‑Star milestone

Watch: Israel’s Ambassador to the US congratulates Deni Avdija for becoming the first Israeli selected to the NBA All‑Star Game, praising the Portland star’s rising career and historic achievement.

Ambassador Leiter celebrates Avdija’s All‑Star milestone

Israeli history:

Deni Avdija selected to the NBA All‑Star Game

Deni Avdija makes history by being selected for the NBA All‑Star Game and will play alongside international stars in an innovative new format.

Deni Avdija selected to the NBA All‑Star Game

Avdija:

'Stop politicizing my career, I’m a proud Israeli'

Israeli basketball star Deni Avdija says he’s tired of being targeted for being Israeli, urging fans to judge him as a player, not a political symbol.

'Stop politicizing my career, I’m a proud Israeli'

Deni Avdija left out of All-Star starting lineups

Despite his outstanding form and the major campaign to support his selection in Israel and the United States, Deni Avdija was not included in the All-Star starting lineups.

Deni Avdija left out of All-Star starting lineups

NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire blessed by Chief Rabbi

Rabbi David Yosef met with former NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire in Miami and blessed him.

NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire blessed by Chief Rabbi

Avdija unharmed in accident, then leads Blazers to win

Israeli NBA star escapes a minor car accident uninjured, then scores 20 points to lead Portland to a second win over Houston as he continues building his All‑Star case.

Avdija unharmed in accident, then leads Blazers to win

Outshines NBA superstars

Avdija earns first‑ever Player of the Week

Deni Avdija named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week after a dominant stretch, including a birthday triple‑double and leading Portland to a 3‑1 week.

Avdija earns first‑ever Player of the Week

Strengthens All‑Star push

Avdija drops triple‑double on birthday

Deni Avdija marks his 25th birthday with a triple‑double in Portland’s win over San Antonio, boosting the Blazers’ play‑in hopes and strengthening his push for a 2026 All‑Star selection.

Avdija drops triple‑double on birthday

Arab world responds to Deni Avdija's All Star voting success

From claims of 'IDF bots' to open anger among Turkish fans, the publication of the interim fan-voting results for the NBA All-Star Game has sparked a storm across the Arab world.

Arab world responds to Deni Avdija's All Star voting success

Deni Avdija closing in on historic 2026 NBA All-Star berth

Israeli star Deni Avdija is seventh in All-Star fan voting, ahead of LeBron and Durant, as fans in Israel and worldwide push to make him the first Israeli in the NBA All-Star Game.

Deni Avdija closing in on historic 2026 NBA All-Star berth

NBA:

Israeli rookies Wolf and Saraf shine in Nets’ loss to Bucks

Israeli rookies Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf deliver career-best performances for the Brooklyn Nets in a 116-99 loss to Milwaukee, marking a historic pairing as only the second Israeli duo in NBA history.

Israeli rookies Wolf and Saraf shine in Nets’ loss to Bucks

History in the NBA:

Two Israelis drafted in the first round

For the first time, two Israeli players, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, drafted into the NBA, both by the Brooklyn Nets. Saraf, an Israeli league MVP, and Wolf, a standout US college player, join Deni Avdija as the only Israelis in the NBA.

Two Israelis drafted in the first round

Two Israelis expected to draft to NBA tonight

The NBA Draft for 2025 will take place tonight, with two Israeli players nominated to be selected.

Two Israelis expected to draft to NBA tonight

Israeli player could make history in NBA Draft

Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf, two Israeli players, are entering the 2025 NBA Draft. Wolf, coming off a strong season at Michigan, was invited to the prestigious Green Room—making him the first Israeli to receive the honor.

Israeli player could make history in NBA Draft

Avdija on torch lighting:

'A privilege that symbolizes my connection to the nation'

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija reacts to the decision to choose him to light an Independence Day torch. 'I try every day to represent Israel with honor.'

'A privilege that symbolizes my connection to the nation'

After breakout in Germany

Israeli star Ben Saraf declares for 2025 NBA Draft

Israeli guard Ben Saraf officially declares for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old standout, ranked No. 23 by ESPN, currently plays for Germany’s ratiopharm Ulm.

Israeli star Ben Saraf declares for 2025 NBA Draft

Israeli NBA star earns second Player of the Month nomination

Israeli forward Deni Avdija nominated for Western Conference Player of the Month in March after averaging 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Despite the standout performances, he finished behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the award.

Israeli NBA star earns second Player of the Month nomination

History in the NBA:

Avdija records first Israeli NBA triple-double

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija scores 30 points and adds 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Portland Trail Blazers’ road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, becomes the first Israeli player to record a triple double in the NBA.

Avdija records first Israeli NBA triple-double

Among some greats:

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija a finalist for Player of the Month

Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers a finalist for Player of the Month in the Western Conference, alongside LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, among others. The honor went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija a finalist for Player of the Month

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija won't play on Yom Kippur

Avdija announces he will miss first preseason game that falls on holiest day of the year. 'The best way for me to start the season will be by respecting the Jewish tradition along with my brothers and sisters worldwide.'

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija won't play on Yom Kippur

Ahead of new season

Israel's Deni Avdija makes list of top 100 NBA players

Sports media company The Action Network names Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers the 100th best player in the NBA: "At 23, he might be entering a breakout."

Israel's Deni Avdija makes list of top 100 NBA players

'I love you'

Shaq sends video tribute to child survivors of October 7

Former NBA superstar sends heartfelt video message to child survivors of Hamas’ October 7 attacks who are being hosted at a camp in Toronto, and adds a few Hebrew words too.

Shaq sends video tribute to child survivors of October 7

Ex-NBA player Eddie Curry 'adopts' Kfir Bibas

Eddie Curry, who played for the Knicks and won an NBA championship with the Heat campaigns for release of youngest hostage kidnapped on October 7.

Ex-NBA player Eddie Curry 'adopts' Kfir Bibas

Veteran NBA guard signs with Israeli team

After 12 years playing in the NBA, Patrick Beverley signs with Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Veteran NBA guard signs with Israeli team

After four seasons:

Deni Avdija traded from Washington to Portland

23-year-old Israeli, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft, reportedly traded for guard Malcolm Brogdon and four draft picks.

Deni Avdija traded from Washington to Portland

Hollywood’s “Hays Code” is back

By the DEI book, white people are often sinful, all black people are always virtuous. George Floyd, for example. Opinion.

Hollywood’s “Hays Code” is back

Ad calling out campus antisemitism to air during NBA playoffs

Robert Kraft’s foundation to air ad slamming antisemitism at campus protests during NBA playoffs.

Ad calling out campus antisemitism to air during NBA playoffs

New NBA record set by Sacramento Kings player

Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis, who plays for the Sacramento Kings, set a new record during his team's victory with 54 consecutive double-doubles.

New NBA record set by Sacramento Kings player

LeBron James makes historic 40,000th career point

LeBron James has broken yet another NBA record by becoming the first player to score 40,000 points over the course of his career.

LeBron James makes historic 40,000th career point

Watch:

Avdija sets new career high for Israeli NBA player

Deni Avdija, drafted 9th overall in 2020, scores 43 points for the Washington Wizards, passing Omri Casspi's record.

Avdija sets new career high for Israeli NBA player

NBA approves sale of Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson

NBA's board of governors approves Adelson’s purchase of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks from entrepreneur Mark Cuban.

NBA approves sale of Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson

Miriam Adelson to buy NBA's Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban selling a majority stake of the franchise to Miriam Adelson for $3.5 billion.

Miriam Adelson to buy NBA's Dallas Mavericks

Israeli NBA player pays tribute to fallen soldier

Washington Wizards' Deni Avdija wears shoes honoring Lt. Itai Cohen, who was killed during battle with terrorists in southern Israel.

Israeli NBA player pays tribute to fallen soldier

NBA:

Cleveland Cavaliers hold moment of silence for Israel

Cleveland Cavaliers hold moment of silence for victims of Hamas’ attack before hosting Maccabi Ra'anana for a preseason game.

Cleveland Cavaliers hold moment of silence for Israel

Moving:

Israeli singer Noa Kirel sings the national anthem in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Nets host Israeli team Maccabi Ra'anana for a preseason game, hold moment of silence for victims of Hamas attack.

Israeli singer Noa Kirel sings the national anthem in Brooklyn

'Heartbroken for Israel':

Professional sports leagues support Israel after Hamas attacks

MLB, NBA and NFL issue statements in support of Israel following Hamas attacks.

Professional sports leagues support Israel after Hamas attacks

Phoenix Suns to induct Amar’e Stoudemire into Ring of Honor

Stoudemire, who also played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, formally converted to Judaism with a Rabbinical court in 2020.

Phoenix Suns to induct Amar’e Stoudemire into Ring of Honor

Ryan Turell, formerly of Yeshiva U, features in new documentary

Former Yeshiva U phenom Ryan Turell features in Amazon’s ‘Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey.’

Ryan Turell, formerly of Yeshiva U, features in new documentary

NBA:

Sale of Charlotte Hornets to Jewish businessmen approved

NBA's board of governors approves sale of Charlotte Hornets to a group led by Jewish businessmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin.

Sale of Charlotte Hornets to Jewish businessmen approved

Charlotte Hornets sign Jewish draft pick

Charlotte Hornets sign guard Amari Bailey, the 41st overall pick the NBA draft, to a two-way contract.

Charlotte Hornets sign Jewish draft pick

NBA's Charlotte Hornets draft Jewish guard Amari Bailey

Bailey’s Jewish heritage comes from his mother, and his agent confirmed that Bailey identifies as Jewish.

NBA's Charlotte Hornets draft Jewish guard Amari Bailey

2 yrs after anti-Jewish slur:

Meyers Leonard signs for season with NBA's Milwaukee Bucks

Leonard will play rest of season with Milwaukee Bucks after 10-day tryout, had not played since anti-Jewish slur incident in 2021.

Meyers Leonard signs for season with NBA's Milwaukee Bucks

'I’m incredibly sorry'

NBA player apologizes again over antisemitic slur

Meyers Leonard, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and will return to the NBA, apologizes once again over use of "k**e" two years ago.

NBA player apologizes again over antisemitic slur

Two years later:

Player who used antisemitic slur to return to the NBA

Meyers Leonard, who was suspended and fined in 2021 for using the word “k**e” during a livestream, signs with Milwaukee Bucks.

Player who used antisemitic slur to return to the NBA

Kyrie Irving slammed for deleting apology over antisemitic film

NBA star facing questions after deleting post apologizing for sharing link to antisemitic documentary after being traded to new team.

Kyrie Irving slammed for deleting apology over antisemitic film

NBA:

Star accused of antisemitism to be traded to team owned by Jew

Kyrie Irving to be traded from Brooklyn Nets to Dallas Mavericks, which is owned by Jewish entrepreneur Mike Cuban.

Star accused of antisemitism to be traded to team owned by Jew

Jewish billionaire Mat Ishbia buys Phoenix NBA, WNBA teams

Sarver sells Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury. teams for $4 billion following accusations against him.

Jewish billionaire Mat Ishbia buys Phoenix NBA, WNBA teams

Trolling the opposition?

Detroit Pistons wish Kyrie Irving a 'Happy Hanukkah'

Detroit Pistons wish Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving a happy Hanukkah after his suspension over antisemitism.

Detroit Pistons wish Kyrie Irving a 'Happy Hanukkah'

Detroit: Orthodox Jews turn out in spades to watch NBA hopeful

‘Put in Ryan!’: Orthodox NBA hopeful Ryan Turell’s fanbase turns up in Detroit.

Detroit: Orthodox Jews turn out in spades to watch NBA hopeful

Suspended NBA star apologizes to Jewish community

Ahead of expected return to the court, Kyrie Irving apologizes after posting link to a film containing antisemitic material.

Suspended NBA star apologizes to Jewish community

After antisemitic tweet:

Suspended Brooklyn Nets star to return on Sunday

Kyrie Irving was suspended by the Nets after sharing link to antisemitic documentary, then refusing to say he isn't antisemitic.

Suspended Brooklyn Nets star to return on Sunday

NBA commissioner:

‘I’ve never heard an antisemitic word from Kyrie Irving’

Adam Silver says that whether Irving is antisemitic or not is irrelevant to the damage his posting of offensive film caused.

‘I’ve never heard an antisemitic word from Kyrie Irving’

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:

Kyrie Irving being used to push antisemitic messages

Basketball legend says that whether intentional or not, Kyrie Irving is being 'unwittingly used' to promote hatred and antisemitism.

Kyrie Irving being used to push antisemitic messages