The Portland Trail Blazers had their Media Day, and one of the key storylines was newly acquired Deni Avdija, specifically how he is meshing with the rest of the Blazers' roster. If this Media Day is any indication, the Blazers will have no issue in that aspect. Despite still being a young player at 23 years old, Deni handled the questions with poise and maturity, frequently emphasizing his team-first approach to the game.
Why Deni Avdija will fit in seamlessly
These quotes, the majority of which are courtesy of Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, stood out as ones that suggest the Blazers will have very little trouble integrating Deni this season.
Versatility
Scoot Henderson on Deni Avdija: "He's very versatile. He can play both sides. He can shoot, attack the basket, he's super strong. It's going to be a great year for him. I think he'll help us a lot."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 30, 2024
Deni's well-rounded game makes him an easy piece to fit into the Blazers' puzzle, both in the short and long term. This season, he can guard multiple positions, which gives head coach Chauncey Billups a lot of lineup flexibility and unlocks potential combinations that he wasn't able to work with last season. Offensively, Avdija can be used both on the ball as a playmaker initiating the offense and off the ball as a cutter or spot-up shooter. His overall versatility should elevate the Blazers' starting lineup level of play.
He's one of those players who may never become an All-Star, as he's not elite at one particular trait, but he's very good at just about everything on the court. In the long term, he gives the Blazers and GM Joe Cronin more flexibility to move someone like Jerami Grant if the right deal comes along, as Avdija is more than capable of sliding to the power forward spot at 6-foot-9.
Rebounding
Chauncey Billups on Deni Avdija: "I've been so impressed with him. He's easy to fit in anywhere. Our fans are going to love him. He plays with so much fire. Skill-wise, he can really pass. High IQ, can guard most positions, really good rebounder. He's going to fit in perfect."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 30, 2024
Blazers fans will instantly fall in love with the much-needed rebounding that Avdija provides. Billups compared him as a rebounder to a former Blazer who was also a fan favorite: Josh Hart.
Last season, Avdija averaged 7.2 rebounds per game, tied with Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis for the 44th-best in the league. Amongst all small forwards, he was the fifth-best rebounder at the position, behind only Scottie Barnes, Jayson Tatum, Miles Bridges, and LeBron James. Last season, Portland finished as a bottom-ten rebounding team. They have a combination of undersized guards and a starting power forward who somehow only averaged 3.5 rebounds per game last season in Grant.
Playmaking
Deni Avdija: "I like to involve everybody. Get everybody open shots. It's a big part of what I do."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 30, 2024
Deni is an incredibly underrated playmaker who should also be loved by his teammates due to his willingness to get them involved. Last season, he averaged 3.8 assists per game. That should provide a huge boost for the development of key Blazers players, easing the playmaking burden off of their up-and-coming backcourt trio and providing easier looks for Donovan Clingan and the other big men.
Mentality
Deni Avdija: "I feel like I've fit in well. I'm one of the experienced guys now. Five years in the league. Everyone wants to work, wants to improve, wants to get better."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) September 30, 2024
The best quote regarding Deni's game and mentality came from Billups. " really cares about playing the game the right way. If a guy is open, pass it. If you can get on the floor for a loose ball, get there. And if you don't, he'll say something about it. I love it. I'm really excited to coach Deni."
After enduring a lackluster 21-win season and heading into what could be another long year, at least Blazers fans have the addition of Avdija as something to look forward to. Portland will love both his skillset and his approach to the game.