Deni Avdija Is Becoming An ALL-NBA Talent
For years, Deni Avdija was a name whispered with hope and potential in NBA circles—a versatile forward with flashes of brilliance, but not yet the consistent force his draft pedigree and European résumé promised. Now, in his second season with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 6’9” Israeli sensation has silenced all doubts. On Wednesday night, Avdija erupted for 41 points against the Houston Rockets, a performance emblematic of his rise from promising role player to bona fide NBA star.
This season, Avdija hasn’t just nudged open the door to stardom—he’s kicked it off its hinges. Forget All-Star candidacy; Avdija is playing at an All-NBA level, and his impact on both ends of the floor is transforming the Blazers’ trajectory. With Portland’s offense built around his downhill drives, creative passing, and relentless physicality, Avdija has become the engine that powers one of the league’s most surprising teams.
Let’s dive deep into how Deni Avdija has evolved into a top-15 player, why his contract is one of the best values in the league, and how his leadership and production are changing the conversation around the Blazers.
The 41-Point Night: A Statement Performance
On Wednesday night, Avdija delivered a masterclass against the Houston Rockets, scoring 41 points in a display of power, finesse, and determination. The Rockets simply couldn’t keep him out of the paint; Avdija barreled through defenders, finished through contact, and converted three separate “and-ones” in the final four minutes. It was a performance that showcased his unique blend of strength and skill.
Stephen Adams, one of the league’s strongest bigs, was among those who tried—and failed—to slow Avdija down. LeBron James, speaking recently with Steve Nash on the “Mind the Game” podcast, called Avdija the most physical driver in the NBA right now. “If you get in front of him,” LeBron said, “he’s going to go into you and finish through that physicality in ways we rarely see in the league.”
Avdija’s ability to thrive in contact, absorb bumps, and still finish at the rim is reminiscent of the best power wings of the past decade. But it’s his consistency and efficiency that truly set him apart.
Beyond the Box Score: Elite Production and Efficiency
Avdija’s 41-point outing was no fluke—it’s part of a season-long trend. Since taking over point guard duties for Portland, he’s averaged:
26 points per game
7 rebounds per game
7 assists per game
42% on catch-and-shoot threes
Top three in the NBA in combined scoring and assist points
He’s one of only three players to post at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 16 games since assuming lead guard responsibilities. His impact is felt in every facet of the game, and his on-court/off-court splits are among the best in the NBA.
Avdija isn’t just scoring—he’s orchestrating the offense, setting up teammates, and defending multiple positions. He’s played in every single Blazers contest this season, a rarity in an era of frequent load management and injuries. In a league where availability is increasingly valuable, Avdija’s durability is another feather in his cap.
The Evolution: From Prospect to Star
For Wizards fans, watching Avdija blossom in Portland is bittersweet. When he was drafted in 2020, this was the dream: a 6’9” playmaker with the ability to create, defend, and shoot. But development in the NBA is rarely linear. Avdija’s journey has been a winding road, marked by flashes of brilliance and stretches of inconsistency.
The turning point came when Portland hired Mike Schmitz—formerly of DraftExpress and a longtime Avdija advocate—as an assistant GM. Months after Schmitz joined the Blazers, the team traded for Avdija, betting on his upside and fit within their system. Now, that vision is paying off in spectacular fashion.
Avdija has become the player Schmitz once called “the steal of the draft.” His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is rare, and his ability to play multiple roles—primary ballhandler, wing defender, secondary scorer—makes him invaluable in today’s NBA.
The Contract: One of the Best Values in the League
In an era of skyrocketing salaries, Avdija’s contract stands out as a masterstroke. He’s on a descending deal, making $14.4 million this year, $11.5 million in 2027-28, and even less in subsequent seasons. For a player producing at an All-NBA level, that’s a bargain rarely seen in the modern cap environment.
The Wizards locked him up on a deal that gets cheaper as his impact grows—a rare win for a franchise often criticized for its cap management. As Avdija’s paychecks shrink, his value to the Blazers only increases, giving Portland flexibility to build around him and pursue additional talent.
Leadership and Culture: The Heart of the Blazers
Avdija’s impact isn’t limited to the stat sheet. He’s become the emotional leader of the Blazers, setting the tone with his work ethic, humility, and gratitude. After big games, he’s quick to thank his teammates and fans, deflecting praise and emphasizing the collective effort.
He’s beloved in the locker room—so much so that he bought everyone refrigerators for Christmas, a gesture that became a running joke among the team. After wins, teammates chant “MVP!” in the locker room, and Avdija responds with genuine appreciation.
In an era where stars often prioritize personal brands and accolades, Avdija’s selflessness is refreshing. He’s the kind of leader every coach dreams of—a player who lifts those around him and embodies the values of hard work and team-first basketball.
The Drive-and-Kick Maestro: Revolutionizing Portland’s Offense
One of Avdija’s most remarkable stats this season is his league-leading number of drive assists. He has over 100 drive assists—more than 30 ahead of the next closest player. He’s also leading the league in three-point assists, despite working with a shooting core that’s far from elite.
Imagine what Avdija’s numbers would look like if he were kicking out to Damian Lillard and other elite shooters. With the current Blazers roster, he’s already putting defenses in a blender, collapsing the paint, and finding open teammates on the perimeter. If Portland upgrades its shooting, Avdija’s impact could reach even greater heights.
His ability to get downhill, draw help, and kick out to shooters is the foundation of Portland’s offense. Defenses can’t crowd the paint on Avdija drives, and they can’t ignore shooters when he’s on the floor. The result: a more dynamic, unpredictable attack that keeps opponents on their heels.
Defensive Versatility: Impact on Both Ends
Avdija isn’t just an offensive force—he’s a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. His combination of size, mobility, and anticipation allows him to switch onto guards, wings, and even small-ball bigs. He’s a disruptor in passing lanes, a strong rebounder, and a willing help defender.
Portland’s defensive schemes often rely on Avdija’s ability to take on tough assignments, and his presence has raised the team’s overall defensive floor. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a two-way star.
Availability: The Ironman Factor
In a season where injuries and rest have sidelined many stars, Avdija’s durability is a major asset. He’s played every game for Portland, anchoring the lineup and providing stability. In a league where availability is as important as ability, Avdija’s reliability makes him even more valuable.
The Big Picture: All-NBA Candidacy and Future Outlook
With production, efficiency, leadership, and durability all working in his favor, Avdija’s All-NBA candidacy is not just plausible—it’s compelling. He’s a top-15 player by any reasonable measure, and his impact on winning is undeniable.
As the season nears its midpoint, Avdija is trending up, not down. His numbers are improving, his confidence is growing, and his role within the Blazers is expanding. If he maintains this pace, an All-NBA selection is within reach—a testament to his growth and the Blazers’ commitment to his development.
For Wizards fans, Avdija’s breakout is a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. For Portland, it’s validation of a bold trade and a blueprint for building around a new star.
The 2020 Draft: A Steal Realized
Avdija was selected in the 2020 NBA Draft, a class now remembered for its depth and surprises. On draft night, Mike Schmitz called Avdija the “steal of the draft.” Four years later, that prophecy has come true.
Avdija’s rise is a case study in patience, development, and fit. His journey shows that talent can take time to blossom, and that the right environment can unlock a player’s full potential.
The Blazers’ Trajectory: A Team Transformed
Since Avdija took over point guard duties—following an injury to Jrue Holiday—the Blazers have changed course. The offense runs through Avdija, and the team’s identity is built around his strengths. Portland’s ability to put teams in a blender, attack mismatches, and generate open threes is directly tied to Avdija’s skillset.
If the Blazers continue to build around him, upgrade their shooting, and maintain health, they could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams. Avdija’s presence has raised the ceiling and the floor for Portland—a rare combination in the NBA.
The Intangibles: Gratitude, Humility, and MVP Chants
Avdija’s postgame interviews are filled with gratitude. He thanks teammates, coaches, and fans, emphasizing the collective effort. He’s not bitter about his contract, despite clearly outperforming it. Instead, he’s focused on winning, improving, and leading by example.
His humility and leadership have made him a fan favorite in Portland. The MVP chants in the locker room are more than just noise—they’re a reflection of the respect and admiration Avdija has earned.
The Impact: Changing the Conversation Around Portland
Avdija’s rise has shifted the narrative around the Blazers. Once a team searching for direction, Portland now has a clear identity and a star to build around. The dream that Wizards fans had on draft night—a 6’9” versatile shot creator and defender—is now a reality in Portland.
Avdija’s combination of production, efficiency, leadership, and value make him one of the most important players in the league. His All-NBA candidacy is not just a talking point—it’s a reflection of his impact on winning and his role in transforming the Blazers.
Conclusion: The New Face of the Blazers
Deni Avdija’s journey from draft-day steal to All-NBA candidate is a testament to perseverance, development, and fit. His breakout season is changing the trajectory of the Portland Trail Blazers, inspiring teammates, and captivating fans.
As the season unfolds, Avdija’s case for All-NBA will only grow stronger. He’s not just an All-Star—he’s a top-15 player, a leader, and the new face of the Blazers. With his unique blend of skill, strength, and selflessness, Avdija is redefining what it means to be a star in today’s NBA.
For Portland, the future is bright. For Avdija, the sky is the limit.
