Fam, I need to have a sensitive conversation with y'all about Deni Avdija.
I am a Lebanese citizen. Covering Avdija is never comfortable for me.
If there's one thing I HATE, it's bringing politics into sports. I try to cover everyone fairly.
Deni Avdija receives hate due to being a former IDF soldier. I looked into it.
According to Grok, Avdija was drafted into the IDF (as mandated by Israeli law) & eventually completed basic training which lasted about one month. Since then, he's been given permission to focus on his NBA career.
To my knowledge, he personally has not murdered anyone.
Given my commitment to covering the NBA, I think it's important for me to put my personal feelings & beliefs aside about geopolitics and cover Deni Avdija just like I'd cover any other NBA player.
Deni Avdija is my leading candidate for the NBA's MIP award, averaging 24.4 PTS, 6.5 REB, & 4.5 AST on a Trail Blazers team that's looking really good under Tiago Splitter's leadership.
I hope those of you who have a problem with the kid due to his nationality can understand why I have chosen to cover him just like any other player in the NBA for his on-court performances.
If you have a problem with me covering him fairly, I also understand.