Deni Avdija Welcomes Ben Sharaf to the NBA

Avdija’s Warm Message on Social Media

Deni Avdija, a player for the Portland Trail Blazers, congratulated Ben Sharaf following his selection as the 26th pick in the NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets. In an Instagram story, Avdija expressed, “Huge pride, welcome to the league,” highlighting the connection and national pride shared among Israeli representatives in the league. With Sharaf joining Avdija and fellow Israeli Deni Wolf, the country now has three active players in the NBA.

Sharaf’s Impressive Career Path

At just 19 years old, Sharaf has made a significant breakthrough over the past year, excelling in the German Bundesliga and leading the Israeli U18 national team in the European Championship. He averaged an impressive 28.1 points per game, earning the title of MVP of the tournament. His selection in the NBA Draft makes him the fourth Israeli player in history to be drafted, following Omri Casspi, Gal Mekel, and Deni Avdija, who was selected ninth overall in 2020.

Media Attention and Comparisons

Sharaf’s selection has drawn considerable attention from American media, particularly due to a comparison made by ESPN’s lead analyst, Jonathan Givony, who referred to Sharaf as “the Israeli version of D’Angelo Russell.” Although such high expectations accompany this label, it is clear that Sharaf has already garnered substantial recognition on draft night.

Avdija’s Perspective and the Future of Israeli Basketball

Avdija, who has established himself as a legitimate starting player in the NBA, understands the long journey ahead for Sharaf, while also acknowledging the pride that comes with this significant achievement. With Sharaf now part of the Brooklyn Nets, there is potential for both players to meet on the court in the future, marking the beginning of a new generation of stars in Israeli basketball