Deni Avdija Emerges as Portland's Quiet Star

There was no viral dunk or headline-grabbing buzzer-beater. No overnight superstardom. But for those watching closely, Deni Avdija’s transformation during the 2024–25 NBA season was unmistakable and remarkable.

What began as a solid campaign quietly evolved into a breakout. The 23-year-old Israeli forward, acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers in a preseason trade, emerged as the team’s most reliable and complete player. By season’s end, he wasn’t just a contributor he was a cornerstone.

Before the All-Star break, Avdija averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists career highs at the time. But from mid-February onward, those numbers skyrocketed to 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, a surge that earned him league-wide respect.

The improvement was more than just statistical. Freed from his role-player constraints in Washington, where he once played behind stars like Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, Avdija embraced a larger role in Portland. With the trust of head coach Chauncey Billups, he took on more offensive responsibility and flourished.

“From day one, the coaching staff just told me to be aggressive,” Avdija said. “That trust, that freedom… it made all the difference.”

He shot over 38% from three after the All-Star break up significantly from earlier in the season and proved capable of creating his own shot, bullying smaller defenders in the post, and initiating fast breaks. Defensively, he remained a stalwart, often guarding opponents’ best scorers while logging heavy minutes.

But beyond the box score, what truly set Avdija apart was his leadership. On a young, rebuilding Blazers team, rocked by injuries and growing pains, he was a stabilizing presence, playing 77 of 82 games. He led not with flash but with consistency earning the respect of teammates like Malcolm Brogdon, who said: “He doesn’t take nights off. You can see he wants it.”

His standout moment came at Madison Square Garden, where he dropped 26 points and 14 rebounds against the Knicks. The Blazers lost in overtime, but Avdija looked every bit the part of a franchise leader, unflinching under the bright lights.

Avdija’s journey is especially significant for fans in Israel, where he remains a national icon. As the highest Israeli draft pick in NBA history, his rise has been followed passionately back home. This year, he embraced that role more fully speaking openly about representing his country, especially during challenging times.

“I know a lot of kids are watching me not just for basketball, but for how I carry myself,” he said. “That’s something I take seriously.”

Now, with a full offseason ahead and a clearer role than ever before, Avdija’s next steps could be even more impactful. While rookie Scoot Henderson remains Portland’s long-term point guard project, it’s Avdija who showed the highest floor and most complete game this season.

“Deni’s game has matured,” Billups said. “He’s not forcing it. He’s letting the game come to him and when it does, he knows exactly what to do with it.”

For Avdija, 2024–25 wasn’t just a breakout it was a declaration. He’s no longer a player of potential. He’s a proven performer, a team leader, and a player with star-caliber upside and he’s just getting started.

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