This past weekend, specifically on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the NBA All-Star Game took place, and for some people, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by the outfit worn by New York filmmaker and devoted Knicks fan Spike Lee.
His long-standing fight for civil rights is well known, and although he was sitting in the stands, what he chose to wear to the game stirred considerable controversy. Among those potentially affected was Israeli player Deni Avdija.
The outfit that sparked controversy from Spike Lee
Spike Lee attended the All-Star Game and decided to wear a jacket that clearly expressed his support for Palestine. He also carried a backpack strap featuring the flag of that country.
This triggered a wave of reactions from people both in favor of and opposed to what is happening in the Middle East.
As previously mentioned, the only Israeli player currently participating in the NBA, Deni Avdija, may have felt offended, and in response, Lee himself assured that his actions had nothing to do with him.
To make that clear, he posted a message on his Instagram account where he openly explained the situation.
Much Respect To Deni Avdija, The First Israeli-Born Player In The NBA All-Star Game.”… “Congratulations Also To All The Players And The NBA. There Has Been Some Conjecture About What I Wore To The Games on Saturday and Sunday. The Clothes I Wore are Symbols of My Concern For The Palestinian Children and Civilians, And My Utmost Belief In Human Dignity For All Humankind.
What I Wore Was Not Intended As A Gesture Of Hostility To Jewish People Or To Support Violence Against Anyone, Nor Was It Intended As A Comment On The Significance Of Deni Being An All-Star. There Were 28 NBA Players Chosen To Be In LA This Weekend. I Didn’t Know Them All And Deni Playing For The Portland Trailblazers, A West Coast Team, I Didn’t Know Deni As The First Israeli Born NBA All-Star. He can BALL. NOW I DO KNOW,
The filmmaker wrote in the post.
Lee greatly enjoys NBA games, especially those of the Knicks, of whom he is a passionate supporter. That is why he is frequently seen at games, and the All-Star event was no exception.
For Avdija, meanwhile, his participation in the event marked his first appearance. He has been in the NBA since 2020 and now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers in what is his second season with the team.
In Israel, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club, where he refined the skills that would eventually lead him to the NBA.
