Can Deni Avdija Make an ALL STAR Leap in his 2nd Season with the Trail Blazers | 24-25 Season Review
Reviewing Deni Avdija’s first season with the Trail Blazers and looking ahead to next year. After a breakout 2024-25 season, is Avdija a legit All-Star candidate next season?
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26 Comments
Great show. I'm very excited for next year, can't wait to see how they use Deni, how our offense will look like with a better DC, and better shooting yo spread the floor.
50 wins – here we come.
I don't know, but i guess we will get the answer before this season in the Eurobasket in August.
Hey Mike! I'm not necessarily for it, but what do you think deni could get us in a trade? If he projects as an all-star, on THAT contract, and the Blazers won't be contenders in 3 years, isn't his value much higher to teams trying to contend right now than it is for the Blazers?
I ❤ love Our Lord savior Jesus Christ and Blazers ❤🎉
Deni got 3rd MIP by YahooSports with 10% of the votes
Grant and a pick for Zion? We got da to care about basketball again, think we can get Zion right? Maybe no dunks
You're doing a great job, thank you!
I think deni should take 2-3 shots per game from half distance, if he has the ability to threaten from half distance consistently and effectively, he will be able to get to the basket much more easily
Prime deni in my opinion, can average 25/10/6 if his role on the team is to be the center guy, and I think if he does these averages we can at least reach the first round of the playoffs next season
The biggest problem with Deni isn't if he's good or not, it's if he can stop being such a nice guy all the time.
Deni on average takes less shots than like 4 other players on the roster.
Deni should be first or second in FGA, not bvby forcing it ofc, but by actualyl taking more of a lead role.
Deni plays like point guard in the national team …the defense in the Eurobasket is crazy ,we will see how he is dealing with it.
What kind of player is Deni Avdija?
When teams draft outside the lottery, many are hoping to land the next Luka, Giannis, or Jokic—especially when it comes to European prospects. I think one of the reasons the Wizards moved on from Deni is that he doesn’t quite fit into those molds. Maybe they see Bilal Coulibaly as having more potential to become a Giannis-like version from France.
But here’s the thing about Deni: he’s kind of a hybrid version of all those stars.
He’s got the playmaking, the improving three-point shot, and a developing change of pace off the dribble—not at Luka’s level, but he's getting there. He has the explosiveness to attack the paint and flashes of defensive skill reminiscent of Giannis—though not as dominant under the rim. And like Jokic, Deni plays with an unselfish mindset, elevating those around him without chasing the spotlight.
He’s not trying to be Luka, Giannis, or Jokic. He’s Deni. And I believe next year he’ll put up strong numbers again—maybe even earn an All-Star nod. In time, he could become a new kind of prototype that teams look for.
If they add another deni level player they will be in good shape. Work on not taking on any bad money, offload ayton or let him expire. Only resign for much less or let him walk. Get off JGs money if possible.
Last 2 games of Deni he took some mid-range shots (and made most)
Nice video. I have 2 remarks actually.
First, If you've listened to Deni's interviews at the end of the season, he will take defense on next. He is aware of the need to improve on that end, and if he takes it as a goal for the summer and next season, I'm sure there will be improvement in that area too.
Second, when talking averages, I would address the per 36 minutes played averages, and not the general averages which doesn't take into account in-game injuries, like the one he took after a few minutes playing going back to Washington.
Deni is the glue guy, he always makes the players around him better, plays almost without ego. Most of the time he makes the right move. He plays winning basketball. I don't think he needs to score 25 points every game, but if they ask him to, then he can do it. That's why I don't think Deni will be an All-Star, but he is undoubtedly the most important part of a winning team.
Bravo for giving king Deni his props. I do wish you made a more straightforward prediction as to whether or not you think he will be an all star instead of saying something along the line of “if he does this… then he will be an all star”
So let me help you a little here… YES he is going to be an all star because once the dam was breached there is no turning back. This is in fact Denís team now until a more capable / superstar arrives at the scene or develops from within.
Denis performance has always been in direct correlation to his confidence level and the level of faith and trust he receives from his coach and team. He has got that now and there is no going back.
Furthermore, Deni is ALWAYS working hard and always wanting to develop. Couple those facts with him being 24 and anyone who is a gambling man would be losing a lot of money gambling against Deni becoming an all star.
Thanks for another great episode
Now let's go get Asa Newell
Avdija was looking like Bird in a few games.
Now let's go get Danny Wolf
Yes, he'd be something like a 25/8/7 guy (with quality defense) if only they would get Grant and Ant out of his way..
The greatest thing about Deni is that he is improving every year. When the team trusts him and he can play free – the sky is (not) the limit.
Sure he can. with 25 shots a game and 35 min he can be 32 12 and 6. All Star numbers. But it wont be the best for the team. the team need few stars not one super star. He should be 1 of few stars. Better for the team game and spirit. better fit for the roaster. and honestly better for his character that always put the win and team in first place. not his stats.
As an Israeli Deni's huge fun, I prefer him taking 20 shots a game. 32 min. 2/6 for 3, 8/14 for 2, 5/7 from the line. 25 points. 10 rebound. 5 assists. Border line all star and Portland get to the playoffs.
This guy is on anither level. Plays the best basketball in the league. Future MVP
Allstar
Next year he will lead this team to the playoff and that is the most import thing , i my opinion the west will be open , labron stap durent etc is not getting younger and that is a great oprtontiy for him .
Thank you mike and shabatt shlom from israel
Great show! To hear your prediction from September was interesting it started out as the worst case scenario and flipped to the best case scenario starting Jan 19th.
What makes me optimistic is that Deni seems to love the big games, so if the team continues to trust in him and give him the ball he is going to be a contender for an all star spot. At least assuming the blazers record is around .50.
Interesting as always, thanks Mike!
Deni's contribution to the team was also helping the ball move on offense.
It's not only him, but instead of being very iso heavy, stagnant offense, the ball was shared a bit more and it helped other players.
Also his foul drawing skills enabled some bonus FTs.
Deni is a hard worker, so he will have a 2-3 months of workout until the national team training begins.
Looking forward to next year. 🙂