Deni Avdija is Blossoming Into a Top Blazers Star

Avdija Keeps Showcasing His Blazers Star Potential

As the 24-25 season has progressed, it is clear that Avdija deserves a bigger role in Portland. He needed time to adjust to a new team after four seasons in Washington. With his recent performances, Deni has become an undeniable Blazers star.

The Trail Blazers must make big decisions soon because they need a true direction. Keeping players like Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant is detrimental to Portland’s future. Avdija is one of the building blocks because he is the optimal wing player with a high ceiling. At only 23, the Israeli forward will shine as he further develops his game.

Since Deni can play either forward position, he fits right in with the Blazers. They have a phenomenal group of young players, headlined by Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. Outside those players, they also have defensive aces, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan. They have a starting lineup for the future with those players alongside Avdija. They have not unlocked their full potential but can only improve with more time and opportunities. Since Scoot wants to take charge, having a teammate like Deni could be fruitful in the long term.

The Blazers Look Much Better with Avdija

Portland is not a top team in the Western Conference, but they are bubbling under the surface. They have the talent to compete in a year or two. However, they have already shown brilliant flashes, particularly, with Avdija.

He is not a typical wing player who camps in the corner and only scores on cuts. No, Avdija is a fantastic player on both ends of the floor. The 23-year-old stands out most when he plays in transition because he can outrun almost anyone in the league. He lives up to his “Turbo” nickname because he is unstoppable when he gets downhill.

Deni has also grown into a reliable shooter. Although his career average from long range is only 33.1%, he has developed a solid jumper. Over the past two seasons, Avdija has shot 37.1% from three, a fantastic development for the budding Blazers star. His ability is not just based on his scoring. Avdija is a well-rounded player who could also scrap for rebounds and be a secondary ball-handler. For the 24-25 season, Avdija averages 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Coach Chauncey Billups trusts him to be a playmaker alongside Simons and Henderson. The leadership has become more prominent as the season progresses. In a recent game against the Utah Jazz, Avdija did not hesitate to call out Scoot after a blown assignment. Deni was much more reserved early in the season but is more comfortable in Portland.

Avdija and Co. Make Portland’s Future Brighter

As soon as the Trail Blazers commit to making trades, they can already be in a good position. Avdija is already blossoming into his potential, while the other young players are developing. Clingan and Camara are surefire defensive studs. Sharpe has go-to scorer potential, while Scoot is a special playmaker.

Of course, they are not locks to become a top team. But the skeleton is there for Portland to become a title-contending team again. Avdija has a case for being the most promising player in Portland’s future. However, Sharpe and Henderson might have something to say about that, which is good. If they continue committing to their young players, the league must watch out for the Blazers.