The Portland Trail Blazers continued their dominance over the Eastern Conference with a 125-112 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, spoiling Damian Lillard's return to the Moda Center. This was Portland's only game of the season that was aired on TNT, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Blazers have played much better basketball as of late, winning five of their last six games. One thing that stands out is how much more decisive they have become as a unit on the offensive end, as they are less stagnant and moving the ball better.
As the youngest roster in the NBA, it has taken over half the season for everyone to figure out how to best play off of each other, but it's finally starting to click. One player in particular it's starting to click for is Deni Avdija, who followed up a 28-point, eight-assist, nine-rebound performance against the Thunder with a 30-point, two-assist, nine-rebound night in their win over the Bucks.
Deni Avdija is proving to be Portland’s best player, and the Blazers got him for a steal
Avdija is one of the most uniquely skilled players, not just in Portland but in the entire league. He has tremendous speed, a tight handle, and a quick shot release, particularly for his size as a 6-foot-9 point forward. He gives Portland's offense another dimension with his ability to get out in transition off of his own rebounds and has an instinctive ability to draw fouls and finish through contact. Outside of turnovers and free throw shooting, there are very few flaws in his well-rounded game.
We wrote about how Avdija is making a strong case as the Blazers' best player back in late December, and he's only further separated himself since then. The Blazers' front office has had its share of misses, but give credit to GM Joe Cronin and company for hitting on the surprising Avdija deal.
Portland was able to steal Avdija away from the Washington Wizards, and all it took was Malcolm Brogdon, a No. 14 pick in a historically weak draft, a 2029 first-round pick (second most favorable), and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030).
That's not even considering the financial aspect of the trade, with Avdija being on such a team-friendly deal and the move allowing Portland to get under the luxury tax.
Those are significant assets to give up to get Avdija, but he's proving to be worth all of it and then some. The Blazers landed their best player this past summer.