The Portland Trail Blazers gave up real assets to secure the services of Deni Avdija last June. At the time, some were concerned with the franchise relinquishing two first round picks for the Washington Wizards forward. This writer, however, had nothing but effuse praise for the acquisition after watching what the Israeli had done in DC.
Unfortunately, the former lottery pick suffered through a slow start to his Portland tenure, struggling with his shot. But while his he wasn’t sending the ball through the bottom of the net, he was contributing in other facets of the game.
By the end of the November, the shot had come round and the broader NBA world began to take notice. Avdija was nominated, alongside Shaedon Sharpe, for the Western Conference Player of the Month award for December.
Six months ago, I discussed whether Avdija could be more than a role player, concluding that while it was not out of the realm of possibility, we would have to wait a few months.
Those months have passed and my expectations for Avdija have only increased. Today we ask whether the 24-year-old has it in him to be a cornerstone of a title run whenever the Blazers make their way back up the standings.
While this is unlikely to happen in the next 12 months, Avdija is a contracted Blazer for three seasons after this current campaign. That’s three years to build on production that has increased almost every year since his selection with the nineth pick in 2020.
Avdija is also arguably the best Blazer currently on the roster, which means, right now, he’s the best candidate.
Avdija’s Game
Feel, ball handling and ability to get to the rim are all part of Avdija’s game. Undoubtedly, the most impactful facet to his offensive game is his ability to bolt down the court and finish with power and efficiency at the rim. It’s particularly impressive for a guy standing 6’9 with his imposing frame and high-level ball control.
The fact that this attribute provides a consistent stream of offense, whether via easy points or drawing fouls, is something this team will need now and in the future. In relation to free throws, Avdija has also increased his attempts to almost five a game this season.
Avdija’s height, vision and passing touch have established him as a standout secondary facilitator who’s capable of running offenses in stretches. This ability has taken the pressure off Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson when opposing defenses are blitzing the two guards.
On defense, Avdija has consistently shown an ability to guard positions one through five. He’s quick enough to serve at the point of attack and in small-ball lineups has guarded the opposing team’s center, often in clutch situations and with regular success.
There’s not much he can’t do at an above average level, a Jack-of-all trades, if you will. The question is, can one or two of those abilities reach master status?
What’s he doing?
This season, Avdija is averaging 15.3 points on 34.7 percent from three, 6.7 boards and 3.6 assists. Among forwards, he ranks 6th in defensive rebounds, 13th in assist percentage and 21st in drives.
The above season numbers are down or on par when compared to previous Avdija seasons. But over the past 10 games he’s hit career highs in 19.2 points on 38.1 percent from three, 8.4 boards and 4.3 assists. The stretch also includes his first NBA triple double, which he registered against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Avdija looks empowered and more comfortable on the court, willing to throw his weight around, unincumbered by expectation.
The fit
Avdija’s versatility might be one of his biggest assets. The next 12 months could see pretty hefty alterations to the Blazers roster with veterans likely moved for players that fit with the franchise’s vision. Rookies will also be drafted to the talent pool.
The Blazers’ five likely long-term names are Shaedon Sharpe, Avdija, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan and probably Scoot Henderson. While each thrives in one of the five traditional positions, Avdija and Camara are able to play anywhere, an asset that will surely provide Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin with choice on who he brings in to complement this young roster.
Avdija is also on the friendliest of team deals with three years and a descending $40 million due after the end of this season.
Can he be a cornerstone?
The Blazers are still searching for their cornerstone, someone who is inescapably the face of the franchise, able to carry the team to victory night in, night out. I don’t think Avdija is or will get there. However, I do think he has it in him to be a “number two”, someone who can take over on a chosen night.
For the 24-year-old to be a second option on a contender, he’d likely have to make an All-Star team or two. Two things need to happen for happen for him to reach that level.
Firstly, the Blazers need to be successful on the court. All Stars typically come from teams at the top of the standings. Secondly, Avdija needs to be contributing at or above the level we’re seeing from him at the moment.
The key for Avdija getting there is expanding his game from being good at pretty much everything to being elite at one or two things. He’s still young and has time to specialize, particularly on this roster where he will have ample opportunity.