Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups gave Deni Avdija a starting role to start the 2024-25 season with his new team. But the stars didn’t align for Avdija, as he struggled to capitalize on ample opportunities early in the season. With Shaedon Sharpe now back from the left shoulder injury that cost him the first eight games of the season, Avdija has been relegated to a bench role.
It remains to be seen if this is a permanent demotion, but Billups should strongly reconsider Avdija's role now that his play has significantly improved from the start of the season.
Deni Avdija is making a strong case to rejoin the Blazers' starting lineup
Avdija's rough transition to Portland was primarily due to his lack of shooting. The silver lining is that he was still contributing in other areas since his versatility is what made him such an intriguing trade target in the first place. But he wasn't living up to the steep payment that the Blazers gave up to acquire their new wing.
Avdija started the first 11 games of the season, shooting 6 of 35 (17 percent) from beyond the arc. Since then, that has significantly jumped to 23 of 49 (47 percent). His shooting is finally catching up with the rest of his well-rounded game, making it extremely hard for Billups to bench him going forward.
Avdija's versatile skill set allows him to help address the Blazers' weaknesses in playmaking and shooting while also boosting their strengths in size, athleticism, and defense. He's the only player on the entire Blazers roster who can improve both aspects, besides perhaps Rayan Rupert, a unique but raw prospect who is not quite ready to make a significant impact.
You could make a case for Avdija being the Blazers' best player over the past month. Given his play as of late, fit into the Blazers' rebuilding timeline, team-friendly contract, and the significant assets given up to acquire him, Portland should do everything they can to put him in a position to succeed as a cornerstone of their young core.
It's easy to see why Avdija deserves his spot back in the Blazers' starting lineup. The tricky part lies in deciding who would be the odd man out of their current starters. The two players/positions that should be considered locks to start are Shaedon Sharpe and whoever their center is, whether that's Deandre Ayton now or Donovan Clingan in the future.
Toumani Camara is also making a strong case to become a permanent starter as a long-term 3-and-D wing for Rip City. They've desperately needed a lockdown wing defender who can effectively space the floor, and Camara has shot 39.1 percent from deep so far in his second season.
The solution to getting Avdija in the starting lineup isn't just Billups' responsibility. GM Joe Cronin will also play a big part in determining the development of their young core. The obvious trade candidate would be Jerami Grant, allowing the Blazers to start:
- PG: Anfernee Simons/Scoot Henderson
- SG: Shaedon Sharpe
- SF: Deni Avdija
- PF: Toumani Camara
- C: Deandre Ayton/Donovan Clingan
Scoot Henderson and Donovan Clingan could also be included as potential starters if Anfernee Simons or Deandre Ayton are moved prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, as both have recently been mentioned as top trade candidates, along with Grant and Robert Williams III.
But regardless of who stays or goes on the roster, the Blazers must make the switch soon. Especially with Avdija's recent play, as he's finally emerging as a key piece in Portland's rebuilding puzzle.