Deni Avdija missed Israel’s latest World Cup qualifying window because Portland would not release him without full insurance protection for an existing back issue, according to Sport5. The report provides a contractual explanation for an absence that had attracted public criticism.
The FIBA–NBA framework requires national federations to insure NBA contracts during international duty. Sport5 reports that an insurer was willing to cover a new injury but excluded a recurrence or worsening of Avdija’s back problem, leaving the Trail Blazers exposed to the financial risk.
Under that account, Portland declined to approve his participation. This should not be reduced to a simple decision by the player: club release, insurance language and medical risk all sit between a call-up and an NBA player taking the court.
The source report is the basis for the explanation; no new diagnosis is inferred here. Future availability will depend on health, acceptable cover and the relevant international window rather than on criticism surrounding the two defeats to Germany and Croatia.
