The Portland Path Blazers’ first preseason recreation was on Friday night time, however they have been with out one among their newly acquired gamers.
The group traded for Deni Avdija after one of the best season of his younger profession, however he was listed as out for a “private” motive.
That motive? The Israeli native was observing Yom Kippur.
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Deni Avdija, #8 of the Portland Path Blazers, poses for a portrait throughout Blazers Media Day at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 30, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. (Steph Chambers/Getty Photos)
In an Instagram Story on Thursday night time, Avdija introduced that he could be lacking the sport, and the choice had been a no brainer.
“Tomorrow, on the eve of Yom Kippur, the primary pre-season recreation of the season will happen. When the administration knowledgeable me, I knew immediately that I’d not take part,” the 23-year-old wrote through The Jerusalem Publish. “I really feel that the easiest way to begin the season is by honoring Jewish custom and standing united with my fellow Jews in Israel and world wide.
“Basketball has been a central a part of my life for so long as I can bear in mind, and it’s at all times been my high precedence. Nevertheless, after the previous 12 months, I’ve realized there are extra necessary issues than basketball. Am Yisrael Chai. Wishing everybody a very good inscription and sealing.”
Deni Avdija of Israel throughout the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 group D match between Israel and Finland at O2 Enviornment Prague on September 2, 2022, in Prague, Czech Republic. (Pedja Milosavljevic/DeFodi Photos through Getty Photos)
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The vacation started Friday and ends Saturday. The sport was performed 4 days after the one-year anniversary of Palestine’s assault on Avdija’s residence nation.
Avdija performed professionally in Israel from 2017 till becoming a member of the NBA in 2020. There, he was a three-time Israeli League champion and an MVP. He has additionally been a member of Israel’s senior nationwide group since 2019.
Deni Avdija, #8 of the Portland Path Blazers, poses for a portrait throughout Blazers Media Day at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 30, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. (Steph Chambers/Getty Photos)
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He put up career-highs final season with the Washington Wizards, who chosen him ninth total within the 2020 NBA Draft. Avdeji posted 14.7 factors, 7.2 rebounds, and three.8 assists per recreation on 50.4% taking pictures, all of which have been one of the best marks of his profession.
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