Heading into the season, it was unclear who deserved the distinction of being considered the Portland Trail Blazers' best player. Now, it's evident that the answer to Portland's pressing roster question is forward Deni Avdija.
Avdija has emerged as Portland's primary offensive initiator in the half-court, embracing a point forward role as a rare 6-foot-8 wing with a guard-like skill set. He's having an All-Star-level breakout in his second year with the Blazers, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 47/37/86 shooting splits.
Portland paid a steep price in acquiring him from Washington, but it's turning out to be a lopsided deal when considering his skillset, age (24), contract (four-years, $55 million), and perhaps the most overlooked aspect: his fit.
Deni Avdija and the Blazers are a perfect match for each other
General manager Joe Cronin had a vision of establishing a defensive identity built around versatile defenders, emphasizing length and athleticism. That also translates to the offensive end in terms of transition opportunities, as Portland gets stops that allow them to utilize that athleticism in the open court. "Turbo" is the epitome of this, and it's no surprise that Portland is now firmly in the play-in conversation after starting the season .500 with him leading the way.
On the other hand, it should also come as no surprise that Avdija is having a career season with the Blazers. He was already showing promising signs of development with the Wizards, particularly as a three-point shooter, increasing his efficiency from 29.7% to 37.4% his final two seasons in Washington. But credit Portland, who saw the vision with Avdija as a player and knew how best to utilize him to unlock another layer to his ceiling.
Avdija has the freedom as a playmaker and shot creator that he didn't have with the Wizards. For example, he's averaging a career high of 3.6 turnovers per game this season! That's something Chauncey Billups previously mentioned about Avdija in terms of living with the good and bad that comes with his fast, physical, overly aggressive, and sometimes reckless style of play. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter is doing a great job of maintaining that momentum for Portland, as Avdija continues to benefit from the fast-paced play that was emphasized this offseason.
Avdija is now placing himself firmly in the All-Star conversation despite playing in the star-studded West. It's fair to wonder what the Blazers' ceiling realistically looks like with him as their go-to option. But for a team that has desperately lacked star power ever since Damian Lillard's initial blockbuster trade, it's refreshing to see the Blazers finally have a player earning that star recognition.