ESPN's Kevin Pelton recently named Deni Avdija as a projected candidate to make his first All-Star appearance this season. Pelton didn't go as far as considering Avdija a way-too-early lock, but the fact that he's even in the conversation to represent the loaded Western Conference shows that the Portland Trail Blazers aren't losing the star power to the extent that some may think.
"Over the course of his first season in Portland, Avdija emerged as the Blazers' best player, averaging 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists after the All-Star break with 50-40 shooting splits. He has picked up where he left off, putting up 22.7 PPG and 4.2 APG as Portland has started 4-2. If the Blazers can stay in the playoff mix, Avdija figures to be their most prominent All-Star candidate," Pelton wrote.
After that writing, the Blazers fell to the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers. Avdija was the lone bright spot in what was otherwise a disappointing performance, finishing with 33 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. On the season, he's now averaging 24.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 49/38/82 shooting splits.
Deni Avdija's breakout season is flying under the radar
The 37.8% shooting from downtown could be the thing that propels Avdija into the All-Star conversation. He's drastically improved his shooting over the past few seasons and has suddenly emerged as arguably Portland's most reliable floor spacing option. That's also opened up the driving lanes for Avdija, who is at his best when he gets downhill and utilizes his physicality at 6-foot-8, which defenders seem to have no answer for.
Another factor unlocking Avdija's breakout is the Blazers' style of play. They emphasized getting out in transition more this season, which plays to Avdija's strengths (his nickname is Turbo, after all).
Lastly, the Blazers moved on from Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton this offseason. We saw Avdija emerge as the primary offensive initiator down the stretch of last season, and the Blazers have strategically set up their roster to help Avdija carry that momentum into this season with a more clearly defined role.
All of this contributes to Avdija's having a career high of 7.3 free throw attempts per game.
While some may give the distinction of Portland's best player to Jrue Holiday due to seniority, it's already become clear that Avdija is the answer to that roster question surrounding the Blazers.
The league is trending towards these (oftentimes international) jumbo guards that are impossible to stop, as they can hurt you in a multitude of ways on the offensive end. Thanks to their trade with the Washington Wizards, the Blazers now have one of their own.
It may be challenging for Avdija to actually make the All-Star game this season due to the superstars out west. But Blazers fans who have closely watched his star ascension know that he absolutely deserves to be in the mix. He'll make a much more compelling case than the rest of the league realizes.