The Portland Trail Blazers have had an up-and-down start to their 2025-26 season, but forward Deni Avdija has blazed brightly throughout. Averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, Avdija is in legitimate discussion for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. But his contributions have gone beyond that. Avdija has assumed Portland’s point guard duties in the absence of teammates due to injury. He’s also helped key the Blazers defense.

Those contributions are getting national attention too. Today Fred Katz of The Athletic mentioned Avdija among the 5 Most Improved Players in the NBA [subscription required], comparing the forward with Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey.

Of Avdija, Katz said:

Avdija and Josh Giddey are both filling up box scores, running breaks

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