It’s official: Deni Avdija isn't just an NBA player anymore; he's a certified superstar. His journey from a promising but struggling lottery pick to a Western Conference All-Star is a testament to raw talent, unwavering self-belief, and the power of a fresh start. Once seen as a cast-off, Avdija has exploded onto the scene, shattering expectations and carrying the Portland Trail Blazers on his broad shoulders.
Key Points: Deni Avdija's All-Star Ascension
- Mindset Shift: Avdija's transformation began with a renewed belief in himself, unlocking his full potential.
- Coachability & Resolve: An early-season challenge from a coach underscored his desire to improve and embrace tough feedback.
- New Role, New Impact: Becoming the primary ball-handler for the Blazers ignited his playmaking and scoring.
- Dominant Drives: Avdija now leads the league in drives, leveraging his unique blend of power and intellect to attack defenses relentlessly.
The Spark: A Coach's Challenge and a Player's Resolve
The true measure of Deni Avdija's character isn't just in his highlight reels, but in moments like a January clash against the New Orleans Pelicans. With the Trail Blazers clinging to a lead, Avdija made two consecutive careless passes, the second leading to an easy Zion Williamson layup. The frustration was palpable, leading Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter to call a timeout.
On the bench, player development head Gilbert Abraham didn't mince words, confronting Avdija about his lack of effort. Initial pushback dissolved as Abraham presented undeniable video evidence. Avdija absorbed the criticism, returned to the court, and after the Blazers secured a 122-109 victory, he sought out Abraham. His response? A hug and a heartfelt "Thanks for coaching me." This anecdote perfectly captures the "wiring" that fuels Avdija’s remarkable 19-month transformation from a potential starter to an All-Star.
From Doubt to Dream: Avdija's Rocky Path
Growing up in Israel, Avdija’s dream was clear: to play in the NBA All-Star Game. While that dream finally materialized on Sunday as he became the first Israeli NBA All-Star reserve, the path was anything but smooth. Just two years ago, many experts viewed his departure from his former team as a clear win for them, painting Avdija as an underperforming lottery pick.
Washington Woes: A "Short Leash" and Shattered Confidence
Drafted 9th overall in 2020 by the Washington Wizards, a then 19-year-old Avdija faced immense pressure on a team with playoff aspirations. He felt a restrictive "short leash," struggling to find his rhythm alongside demanding stars like Russell Westbrook. This environment chipped away at his confidence. Missed shots led to hesitant play, a stark contrast to the aggressive style he exhibited in EuroLeague as a teenager.
Former Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. observed, "A lot of times you could see him become deflated." By his third season, Avdija seemed to hit a wall. His scoring stagnated below double digits, and his 3-point percentage dipped under 30%. He questioned his place in the league, caught in the harsh reality of NBA ups and downs. The player scouts once marveled at appeared lost.
A New Chapter: The Trail Blazers' Bold Bet
The turning point arrived in October 2023. Despite his struggles, the Wizards offered Avdija a four-year, $55 million extension. While management likely saw it as a tradeable asset, for Avdija, it was liberation. "It made me feel like I had less worries," he explained. This newfound security, combined with a dedicated refinement of his shooting stroke (boosting his 3-point percentage to 37.4%), allowed his other skills to blossom.
He posted career highs in the 2023-24 season (14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists). This resurgence made him an attractive trade piece, and on 2024 Draft night, the Wizards sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers for two first-round picks. Avdija, watching from Israel, understood the message: "They really believe in me."
Unleashed Potential: Portland's Strategic Masterstroke
Initial adjustments to Portland were challenging, with Avdija admitting it was tough to accustom to a new city and teammates. Yet, the Blazers' belief was unwavering. Coaches quickly noticed his elite potential. As the 2024-25 season progressed, Portland accelerated its play and tweaked its offensive schemes, allowing Avdija to flourish. He closed out the season playing like an All-Star (averaging 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists over the final 20 games).
The true game-changer came early in the 2025-26 season when injuries sidelined Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. Coach Splitter approached Avdija, asking if he was ready to reprise his teenage point guard role. Without hesitation, Avdija declared, "Coach, you know I can. You saw me do it when I was 18." This trust fostered a "snowball effect" of confidence, propelling Avdija to the next level. "My opinion matters now," he asserts, reflecting his elevated status and impact.
Dominance Through Drive: Avdija's Relentless Attack
Now, Avdija isn't just playing; he's dominating. He leads the league in drives, relentlessly attacking the paint with the force of a battering ram. Defenders know he favors driving right, yet they remain powerless to stop him. This aggressive approach puts immense pressure on opposing teams, leading to an elite 1.1 points per possession on his drives, placing him in the 72nd percentile league-wide. His ability to draw fouls is evident, as only Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attempt more free throws.
The Cerebral Attacker: Marrying Power and Precision
At 6-foot-8 and nearly 230 pounds, Avdija combines brute strength with a keen basketball intellect. While some opponents might accuse him of foul baiting, Blazers coaches recognize a calculated strategy. He has perfected a James Harden-esque rip-through move, meticulously refining its footwork and timing. Avdija studies defensive instincts, knowing exactly when to extend the ball to draw a foul or create space.
This cerebral approach extends to his playmaking. As defenses collapse on his drives, Avdija dishes out of them nearly 50% of the time, a significant jump from last season. He's among the league leaders in points generated off assists, consistently transforming defensive attention into scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Beyond the Stats: A Leader Emerges
Even with his explosive rise, Avdija acknowledges areas for growth: reducing turnovers and improving his off-the-dribble 3-point shooting (currently 26.9% compared to 40.7% on spot-ups). He's also adapting to the challenges of being a primary offensive option, facing constant traps and collapsing defenses. Yet, he relishes the test, asserting, "You can try to stop me from going right, but it's going to be very hard."
Beyond the court, Avdija has embraced his role as a leader, actively shaping team culture. From organizing team dinners to gifting mini-fridges and even learning Mandarin to connect with rookie Yang Hansen, he prioritizes team cohesion in a "brutal" league. For the first time, Deni Avdija feels truly in control. His need to prove himself has transformed into a calm self-assurance. When asked about his All-Star nod, his response was telling: "It would obviously be a dream come true, but... My goal is just to continue being me." And for the Trail Blazers, "being Deni" is exactly what they need.
