Avdija: 'I won't allow anyone to question my commitment to the national team'

Deni Avdija addressed his absence from the Israeli national team during the recent World Cup qualifying windows and responded to the criticism he received as a result. The Portland star issued a lengthy statement clarifying that he wanted to join the team, but a back injury he suffered and the decision of his NBA team prevented him from doing so.Avdija was also absent from the August window that ended on Sunday, with the Basketball Association having already announced when the roster was published that Portland did not approve his participation. In fact, as early as July, team manager Motti Daniel explained that Avdija was suffering from a back injury and that Portland had vetoed his participation.'I came when I wasn't at 100%'"I usually don't feel the need to explain myself, but this time it is important to me to say a few words," Avdija wrote.