The plethora of playmaking options in what is suddenly a crowded Portland Trail Blazers backcourt should allow Deni Avdija to become a more complete player in 2026-27.
He's already one of the most well-rounded players in the league, as few can replicate his combination of size, finishing, ball-handling, court vision, and now, even shooting. But given that frame and physical tools, you'd hope Avdija would be more impactful on the defensive end.
Avdija was a strong role player with the Washington Wizards and was known as more of a two-way player. The good news is that his defensive skill set or ability hasn't changed; rather, it's been what's been asked of him in terms of energy expended.
Deni Avdija can focus on the defensive end more thanks to added playmaking
The Blazers needed Avdija to be a point forward last season with a backcourt that suffered one injury after another. The silver lining was the All-Star season that resulted from Avdija initiating more of the offense in Portland, finally giving this rebuild the go-to option it's been seeking since Damian Lillard's initial departure in 2023.
The downside is that Avdija's breaks often come on the defensive end, even if it means expending 80-90 percent of the effort. We've seen LeBron James do it all the time throughout his career, with elite role players like Shane Battier stepping up to guard the opposing team's best defender so James can take on more of the offensive burden.
Portland does have a blueprint in that sense with an elite defender in Toumani Camara. But what they don't have is a superstar like James, and that gap in star power was on full display in Portland's first-round exit to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Portland's low-risk solution was bringing in Ja Morant, a former two-time All-Star, without having to sacrifice any draft capital. Odds of Morant returning to that All-Star form may be slim, but with that flier, the Blazers take at least some of that burden off Avdija.
Head coach Micah Nori will have to establish an offensive hierarchy with the Blazers' new-look roster. Ideally, Avdija will stay in that point-forward role, as that's where this offense is at its ceiling, with a true matchup advantage and the defensive pressure it creates.
Portland can't let its revamped backcourt get in the way of Avdija's star ascension, as he must remain a priority in the offense. But if Lillard can come in and give them more floor spacing, while Morant provides a secondary playmaking option, it might just be the ingredient Avdija needs to take that next leap as a two-way star.
With these playmaking options Portland is bringing into the backcourt, a defensive-minded frontcourt will be more important than ever to maintain that identity. Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara are legitimate All-Defense candidates heading into the season and should do most of the heavy lifting. But elite defenses around the league have that foundation in place because their stars are two-way players.
It hasn't been pretty on that end with Avdija, but Portland is capable of becoming that team if these added playmakers can open up his defensive game -- an overlooked benefit in this surprising offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google