Is Deni Avdija a Perfect Fit on the Portland Trail Blazers? | 2024-25 Season Previews
The first of our 2024-25 Season Previews kicks off with a profile of newcomer Deni Avdija.
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5 Comments
Deni = Lamar Odom
I fully exprct to see Deni take a step back. The Blazers are slow, poor passing and ISO heavy. I doubt that changes. Billups constantly talks about wanting to go faster but I think that is to apease fans. His coaching style shows the opposite. At the end of the year I fully expect to see them one of the worst offenses and lowest assist teama in the NBA again. I see Deni at 12ppg 6reb 3ast with ok shooting numbers.
To me, the question is if Deni had such a breakout year, why did the Wizards cut bait?
This is why Grant must be traded; if they keep him, they’ll have to “injure” him, which is bad for his career stats, his development and management’s integrity and respect from the fanbase.
Question, demand an extra FRP in a Grant trade; or get a higher 2025 FRP lotto slot? You’re not getting both without risking NBA Anti-Tanking sanctions.
Like many other rookies, Deni's statistics were affected by personal challenges (he was robbed, family and friends under war, started in Covid as one of only few foreigners – was very lonely, never played summer league, played many times while sick, coach enforced him to play 3&D while he lost confidence in shooting 3s, dealt with a significant injury, broke his teeth and had a small surgery during a series of away games but kept playing and got used to a guard, etc.). All of this is in his head, but by now, he should be able to control his confidence, which is why I believe he'll be closer to the described best-case scenario.
Another point is that he improved his three-point percentage because he focused on it and worked hard for nearly four months last summer, leading to the noticeable improvement. This summer, he worked specifically on what you've identified as his weakness—his mid-range game. This may mean his three-point percentage will dip (perhaps to around 34-33%), but he will likely favor driving to the rim more and increase his shooting options, such as lobs and mid-range shots (especially when not driving right).
For Deni, the situation with Grant is similar to his experience with Kuzma (both of whom were mentioned as potential trade options for the Lakers). Deni played smoothly in the 3-4 positions (and it was a rare but beautiful sight when he served as the primary ball handler, similar to Dallas' style). However, I believe there are many shooters on the roster, so he will focus more on passing and rebounding, while shooting less (at least if the roaster will stay the same until deadline). My goal for him this year is about triple-doubles and if the team trust him to be a primary ball handler (for just 2-3 minutes). Re best/worst case, Deni will obey and do whatever coach staff will ask and allow him to do. Therefore, in my opinion, the scenarios are more depend on the coach and less on Deni.