Deni Avdija’s Breakout Season Is Powering the Blazers’ Revival
It looks like the Portland Trail Blazers might have found their new star — and his name is Deni Avdija. The 24-year-old forward has quietly been putting together a breakout season, showing fans and analysts alike that he’s more than just a role player. After years of development, Avdija is finally stepping into the spotlight and playing the best basketball of his young career.
During the later stretch of last season, there were hints that Avdija was starting to figure things out. He began creating his own shots, running the offense with confidence, and still dominating the glass. Now, in the early weeks of the 2025–26 NBA season, all that work is paying off. He’s averaging 22.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game — numbers that make him one of the most complete wings in the league right now.
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What stands out about Avdija’s game is how versatile he’s become. He’s that rare hybrid player who can seamlessly switch between small forward and power forward roles. On one possession, he’s attacking the basket with strength and control, and on the next, he’s orchestrating plays from the perimeter like a guard. His improved handle and outside shooting have added new layers to his offense, making him a constant threat both on and off the ball.
For Portland, this breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. Ever since Damian Lillard was traded to Milwaukee in 2023, the Blazers have been searching for their next franchise cornerstone. Lillard, now back in Portland but sidelined with an Achilles injury, has left a leadership void on the floor. Avdija has stepped in to fill that space, giving Portland fans something to rally behind again.
In Wednesday’s thrilling 136–134 win over the Utah Jazz, Avdija filled up the stat sheet — 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block. The only blemishes were his six turnovers and a rough 0-for-5 night from beyond the arc, but even those are signs of how much responsibility he’s carrying. When you’re creating and handling the ball as much as he is, a few mistakes are expected.
There’s also an interesting off-court angle to Avdija’s rise. His current contract is descending, meaning his cap hit gets smaller each year — a feature that makes him extremely valuable on the trade market. That could put Portland in a fascinating position. If he keeps playing at this level, the Blazers might have to decide whether to build around him or cash in on his rising value.
For now, though, one thing is clear: Deni Avdija is no longer just a promising young talent. He’s becoming the heartbeat of this new-look Blazers team — and possibly, their future franchise player.
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