After years of misuse and fighting to overcome a questionable fit, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija has become one of the fastest-rising stars in the NBA. He turned in a thrilling 2024-25 campaign, taking a clear step forward in virtually every phase of the game.
For as well as Avdija has taken to playing in Portland, however, a recent interview revealed just how much of an impact instability can have on a player.
Avdija played four seasons for the Washington Wizards, which drafted him at No. 9 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. He spent his first three years in Washington shuffling in and out of the starting lineup, and was traded after his first full season as a starter.
During a recent interview with with Israeli site Ynet, Avdija explained how devastated he was by the Wizards' decision to trade him to the Trail Blazers (h/t HoopsHype).
:People were beside me for so many years and I created a close, strong connection with them.The moment they traded me, it felt like a knife in the back,” Avdija says openly. “I understand it’s business and part of this league, but I’m always loyal to the team and the people who worked with me. Starting a new chapter is scary and exciting at the same time."
Avdija continued:
"There’s uncertainty where I’ll end up and if it will be the right situation for me. You don’t control it much, and that’s what’s scary. But I’m happy because I have the character and abilities to fit in anywhere with anyone. I found an amazing home in Portland, I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Avdija has hit his stride in Portland, but the comments he made in the aforementioned interview must be taken to heart as the franchise provides him with the stability he needs to grow.
Deni Avdija needs stable environment for Blazers to tap into full potential
Avdija's four seasons with the Wizards were as confusing as they were promising. He showed clear signs of all-around value when he received consistent touches on offense, but Washington prioritized players such as Rui Hachimura, Kyle Kuzma, and Jordan Poole.
The tide began to shift during his final season with the team, but he was still a clear third option behind two high-volume players despite being far more efficient.
Portland has undone some of that damage by unleashing Avdija on the NBA without the previous restraints. He only averaged 1.0 more field goal attempt per game in 2024-25 than in 2023-24, but that's a misleading number to go by.
Avdija attempted 1.6 more free throws per game, increased his usage rate by 3.0 percent, and registered 1.9 more drives per contest.
Beyond the numbers, Avdija's development wasn't stunted by a preexisting pecking order that required him to stifle his growth. When he hit his stride in 2024-25, the Trail Blazers went all-in on exploring what he was capable of.
The end result was the best stretch of Avdija's career and a remarkable in-season turnaround by Portland that directly coincided with its new star's success.
Deni Avdija is thriving—so don't change the formula too much on him
Over the course of Portland's first 41 games, it went 13-28. During that time, Avdija averaged 14.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per outing. He attempted just 10.3 shots and 3.9 free throws per contest.
Portland went 23-18 across the 41 games that followed, including a 20-14 record during the 34 games that Avdija was active for.
Over the course of the second half of the season, Avdija made the proverbial leap. He posted averages of 20.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game—producing an impressive slash line of .492/.374/.777.
It was a clear display of the All-Star potential that made Avdija a top-five pick just five years ago, as well as what can happen when he's allowed to play in a featured role.
In 2025-26, the Trail Blazers must ensure that stability is a key element of Avdija's development. He rewarded head coach Chauncey Billups for beliving in him in 2024-25 and needs the opportunity to continue to reach the next level, even if he fights the occasional bout of inconsistency.
Washington failed to see what Avdija was capable of and never truly empowered him to explore his potential. Portland can't afford to make the same mistake.