General manager Joe Cronin had a clear vision when rebuilding the Portland Trail Blazers roster. He wanted to establish a defensive identity and construct a team that has an advantage on a nightly basis with their length and athleticism.
After a few rebuilding seasons that felt like an eternity for Blazers fans accustomed to their team reaching the postseason, that vision has finally come to fruition. It came in an unconventional way, however, as Portland's primary building blocks came not via draft but via trade, particularly when they acquired Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards.
Deni Avdija's star ascension is bringing Joe Cronin's vision to fruition
In exchange, Portland sent veteran Malcolm Brogdon, Bub Carrington (No. 14 overall pick in 2024), a 2029 first-round pick (second-most favorable from Portland), and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030). It's a deal that's becoming increasingly lopsided by the day as Avdija continues his star ascension in Portland.
He's making a strong All-Star case this season, averaging a career-high 25.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 48/37/84 shooting splits. While that breakout likely would've happened regardless of what team Avdija plays for, the perfect fit between his playstyle and the Blazers' roster vision is taking it to an entirely new level.
Avdija finally gives the Blazers versatility at the wing position, which is something they have desperately lacked since Nicolas Batum was traded in 2015. It's also no surprise that someone with the nickname "Turbo" is a perfect fit for a Blazers team that wants to get stops that lead to transition opportunities. Avdija is one of the best open-court players in the league with his rare combination of speed and size at 6-foot-8. He's currently listed at 228 pounds on ESPN, which just doesn't seem accurate. This dude is an absolute wrecking ball who initiates contact, resulting in a career-high 8.3 free throw attempts per game.
But the most impressive aspect of his rapid growth is the ability to be a primary offensive initiator in half-court sets. The Blazers have been without almost their entire backcourt as of late due to injuries piling up, with the silver lining of that unfortunate situation being Avdija stepping up in an increased role as a point forward. Turnovers remain an issue, but he's reading the court exceptionally well. His improved three-point shot has also helped open up his entire game, making him a complete player.
Avdija checks every box for Portland's identity: speed, size, physicality, versatility, athleticism. Trading for him was the very move that helped establish Cronin's vision, as he embodies everything the Blazers have been trying to build over the past few years.