As a sign of sportsmanship, Deni Avdija is making the case that Russell Westbrook didn't actually foul him to decide the game for the Portland Trail Blazers' one-point overtime win against the Sacramento Kings.
Okay, just kidding. But could you imagine if he did? It would be like the real-life version of that one hilariously bad commercial.
No, Avdija's case is that he's an All-Star this season.
The Blazers have a legitimate All-Star in Deni Avdija
Portland's win over Sacramento was just the latest example of his star impact. Avdija has officially reached the point where you think he's having a quiet game only to finish with 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
On the season, the Blazers wing is averaging 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 48/37/81 shooting splits. Blazers analytics insider Tom Haberstroh pointed out during the broadcast that there is a 100% success rate among players who average those numbers (25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 6+ assists) in making the All-Star Game. There have been 49 total instances, including stars you'd expect: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokić, etc.
If he can maintain this level of play, Avdija is all but a lock to represent the Blazers at the Intuit Dome on Sunday, February 15. With 27 games under his belt, we have a large enough sample size to comfortably say that Avdija has no reason to slow down, either.
Given Haberstroh's stat, Avdija doesn't need any more help in strengthening his case, but external factors are helping him as well. The NBA has changed the All-Star format (once again), this time trying out a new U.S. vs. World tournament. They now require eight international players to make the All-Star Game and will add more if the minimum isn't met at the start.
Unfortunately, another factor helping Avdija's case is the number of injuries suffered by stars. Multiple stars had severe injuries suffered last season that have carried over, including Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Haliburton, and, of course, Damian Lillard. But those injuries have also piled up this season, with calf strains being a significant issue around the league. Even just compared to last season, calf strains are now up by 40%. Unfortunately, Portland knows that all too well, with Jrue Holiday still sidelined due to the injury he suffered on November 14.
Avdija is set to benefit from the format change and unfortunate injury circumstances around the league. But with the level he's been playing at, it would've been hard to leave him out of the festivities regardless. He's essentially the only thing keeping an injury-riddled Blazers team afloat out west, and deserves All-Star recognition for that.
If you agree, you can help to get him in by voting for the Blazers' rising star.