Predicting what Blazers’ starting lineup might realistically look like in 2025-26
By Reese Kunz
SF: Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija is the most likely Blazers player to start next season and 2025-26. One of Henderson or Sharpe projects to come off the bench in a sixth-man role next season, barring a trade before training camp. Three projected starters, Simons, Grant, and Ayton, could be moved before the 2025-26 season. That leaves the newly acquired Avdija as the safest bet to be a consistent Blazers starter going forward.
The Blazers traded significant assets to acquire him, moving Malcolm Brogdon and two first-round picks. But at 23, Portland has found a long-term starting forward, which they desperately needed. Avdija will likely never be an All-Star level player, but he's an excellent third or fourth piece on a championship-level team.
The issue is that he's one of the Blazers' best players; they still need to acquire a superstar to pair with Avdija in the coming seasons as they continue their rebuild. The 2025 NBA Draft is an excellent opportunity to find that star-level talent to take some of the pressure and offensive burden off of Avdija.
Nonetheless, he's a versatile forward with a well-rounded game—his size, ballhandling, playmaking, rebounding, defense, and significantly improved shooting will help elevate the overall talent level of the Blazers' young core.