Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Powerful Words Lift Deni Avdija
When one of the best basketball players in the world takes time to praise you, it means something. That’s exactly what happened recently when Giannis Antetokounmpo gave some heartfelt compliments to Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija. After a EuroBasket matchup between Greece and Israel, Giannis and Avdija shared a brief but meaningful conversation. Avdija later revealed that the words from Giannis were deeply touching, though he chose not to share the exact details. What mattered most was the recognition — being noticed and encouraged by someone who has already climbed to the very top of the game.
For Avdija, this wasn’t just any player giving him a pat on the back. Giannis is a global superstar, a two-time MVP, an NBA champion, and widely considered one of the most dominant forces in basketball. To hear genuine praise from someone of that caliber can have a lasting effect. Avdija admitted it meant a lot to him, not only because of Giannis’s status, but also because it came from a player known for his relentless work ethic and strong reputation in the league.
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The timing of this recognition couldn’t be more important for Avdija. He’s coming off the best year of his NBA career and is now stepping into a much larger role with the Blazers. Last season, he averaged nearly 17 points, over 7 rebounds, and almost 4 assists per game, all while improving his shooting efficiency. His growth was already clear in Portland, but now he’s being asked to do even more. With key departures from the roster, the Blazers need him to take another leap if they want to compete for a playoff spot.
Avdija’s performances in EuroBasket showed that he is ready to embrace that challenge. He carried Israel with big scoring nights, including a 34-point outing against Slovenia, and finished the tournament among the top scorers overall. Even though his team eventually fell short, Avdija proved that he can be a go-to option under pressure, and that experience will only help him moving forward in the NBA.
When Giannis spoke to him, it was more than just compliments — it was validation. It was a reminder that the hard work is being noticed not only by fans in Portland, but by the very best in the game. For a young player trying to cement his place among the stars, that kind of encouragement can be fuel for the next step in his journey.
Now, as the Blazers prepare for the upcoming season, the hope is that Avdija’s growth continues. If he can build on what he showed in international play and bring that same consistency to the NBA floor, he could become the driving force that keeps Portland’s playoff hopes alive. And with Giannis’s words still fresh in his mind, the belief in that possibility feels stronger than ever.
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