Deni Avdija says Portland would not clear him to play in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Deni Avdija said the Portland Trail Blazers did not clear him to play in FIBA World Cup qualifying this summer. The Israel star explained in a social media post relayed by Aris Barkas of Eurohoops that he returned from back tightness in February but injured it again, missing 16 of Portland’s 24 games during that stretch. Although he played the team’s final 18 matches after the All-Star break, his minutes and production dipped. Avdija said Portland “wasn’t willing to take a risk” with his health, leaving him unable to step up. Israel is 2-6 in eight qualifying games and needs wins to advance.