Deni Avdija's first season as a Trai Blazer started off slowly as he struggled with his shot and was still figuring out how he best fit into Portland's roster. But he's turned things around, averaging a career-high 14.8 points along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.9 steals on 46/33/77 shooting splits.
He's been a key reason for the Blazers' significantly improved season compared to last year's 21-win team, impacting winning at a high level as a versatile two-way wing, which was what last year's team was missing the most.
It's hard to poke holes in Avdija's well-rounded game, but some areas he could improve to take that next step include his three-point shooting, turnovers, and consistency. Avdija's 33.2 three-point percentage is below league average at the position (35.4), and his 2.4 turnovers per game are the second most on the team behind only Scoot Henderson.
Those problems should eventually correct themselves as the 24-year-old Avdija gains more experience and familiarity with Portland's offense. However, the one thing that the Blazers can immediately address is his inconsistent play.
Blazers shouldn't repeat what Wizards did, allowing Avdija's role and usage to fluctuate
Avdija may not be the Blazers' best pure scorer -- he's third on the team in points per game behind Anfernee Simons (19.2) and Shaedon Sharpe (17.7) -- but you could make a strong case for him being their best overall player. Both FanSided's NBA 99 and The Ringers' player rankings recently had Avdija as the second-best player on the team, just behind Simons.
Yet Avdija's 21.8 percent usage rate is fourth on the team behind Shaedon Sharpe (24.6), Dalano Banton (24.5), and Simons (24.2). The Wizards made a similar mistake with Avdija, as he had just a 19.6 percent usage rate, significantly behind Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole in the pecking order.
Avdija is the one Blazers player who can consistently get into the paint. He brings a much-needed element of physicality that they previously lacked with their undersized, guard-heavy roster in years past. They need to utilize him more as an offensive hub to turn that roster weakness into a strength.
Avdija has played 59 games this season. He's scored less than ten points in 15 of those games. Part of that falls on Avdija himself, but it's also Chauncey Billups' responsibility. The Blazers need to do a better job of letting him learn on the fly.
They have committed to this transitional season as a team with poor lottery odds and on the outside looking in of a play-in spot. Winning the lottery and making playoffs aren't realistic goals, meaning this season's success will be determined by player development and gaining more roster clarity.
The Blazers just traded two first-round picks for Avdija this past offseason. And while that trade looks like a massive win, the draft capital they gave up to acquire him and the role they are giving him within the offense isn't adding up.
The surprising trade is still a win. But the Blazers aren't cashing in all their chips by not fully utilizing Avdija more consistently.