Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8) on the attack during a NBA game between the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets, on March 27, 2024, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC. Photo: Anthony Quinn/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija announced on Thursday that he will not play in the first preseason game between his new NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night because it falls on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Avdija shared the news in a Hebrew-language post on his Instagram Story. Yom Kippur, which is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism and known as the Day of Atonement, begins Friday night and ends the following evening.

“When management told me about the game, it was clear to me from the first moment that I would tell them I’m not playing,” he said. “I feel like the best and most correct way to start the season will be by respecting Jewish tradition and in unity with my brothers and sisters in Israel and in the world.”

“Basketball has been an integral part of my life from the day I can remember … but specifically, after this year that we’ve experienced, I felt that there is something more important than basketball,” he added. Avdija ended his Instagram Story with the Hebrew phrase “Am Yisrael Chai.”

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Avdija from the Washington Wizards in July in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon. Avdija signed a reported four-year, $55-million contract extension with the Wizards and is under contract through the 2027-28 season, according to the NBA.

The Israeli athlete was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Wizards and spent four seasons with the NBA team.