The Portland Trail Blazers had one of the most interesting offseasons of any team in the NBA. The Ja Morant trade alone is enough to raise some eyebrows, and heading into next season, the Blazers – more specifically, Deni Avdija – need him to take on a very specific role. If Portland wants to reach its ceiling, it needs Morant to tap into his playmaking side.
Last year, Avdija led the Blazers in assists at 6.7 per game. Jrue Holiday was right behind him at 6.1, though he only appeared in 53 games. Only one other player (Scoot Henderson at 3.7) averaged more than three per game. Avdija is an elite offensive creator, but he could use some help, especially getting downhill and making plays.
Morant is the perfect guy for that job, but he needs to cut down on the turnovers and really hone in on his playmaking skills next season.
Deni Avdija needs Ja Morant to help with playmaking duties
As the roster stands, the Blazers have plenty of scoring. Avdija will undoubtedly be a force next year; they are getting Damian Lillard back, and Shaedon Sharpe can light it up, too.
Morant will get his buckets, but he really needs to be a playmaker for this team. Lillard will provide some passing, too, but Morant’s downhill abilities give him a unique chance to impact this team.
One of Avdija’s best traits is his willingness and ability to get downhill, attack the rim, and from there, create for himself and others. Of everyone on the Blazers, he’s the best at that.
But now, he’ll have Morant by his side. He’s another guy who can drive the ball well and spray it out to open teammates. That additional playmaking should make life a lot easier for Avdija, opening up the Blazers’ offense.
The best teams in the league have multiple guys who can make plays. Multiple offensive initiators. Multiple high-level passers who can create open shots for their teammates.
Holiday did a solid job at that last year, but he’s not as good a creator as Morant. Not when it comes to creating advantages and beating opposing defenses.
That’s where Morant’s athleticism and speed should come into play, if he’s able to stay on the court next season.
Portland needs Morant to be a playmaker. The Blazers need him and Avdija to lead the way in that regard. Because if they want to be a serious contender in the West, Avdija can’t do it all on his own.
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