Deni Advija Calls Out His Haters for Being Uneducated About Middle East

Deni Avdija is having a career year. Last season, he started to break out, averaging a career-high 16.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Then this year, he’s blown those numbers out of the water. 

This season, Deni is averaging 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. He’s also shooting 47% from the field and 35.5% from three. With the great success he’s had, however, there’s also been criticism. Unfortunately, the criticism is coming more about where he’s from than how he’s playing. 

Avdija spoke about this recently in a conversation with The Athletic. 

"I'm an athlete. I don't really get into politics, because it's not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that's where I'm from. It's frustrating to see all the hate. Like, I have a good game or get All-Star votes, and all the comments are people connecting me to politics. Like, why can't I just be a good basketball player? Why does it matter if I'm from Israel, or wherever in the world, or what my race is? Just respect me as a basketball player. Like, I'm deciding things in the world… I'll be honest: What do people expect me to do? This is my country, where I was born, where I grew up. I love my country; there are a lot of great things about my country. But obviously, not everyone is educated and knows what is going on, and that's what pisses me off. Because if you are educated and know what is going on, it's fine to say what you think and say who you think is right or wrong. But if you are not educated and you are not part of the Middle East, and you don't understand how long this goes back and understand the consequences and everything… Just don't say anything. "I'm from there, and I respect my country, and I stand behind it."

Nobody chooses where they are born. Getting hate or criticism because of the country you're from is completely unfair and ridiculous. American players aren’t getting criticized for what’s happening in their country with politics and controversy. Hopefully, Avdija can continue to silence the haters with stellar play, and everyone can just appreciate him for the hard work.