March has been a fantastic month for Portland’s Deni Avdija. He is playing extremely well, enough for some people to call it an Avdija All-Star leap. He has constantly proved he is a significant part of Portland’s promising future, serving as a Blazers building block. Let’s dive into his impressive recent play and what it means for the Blazers’ future.
Deni Avdija’s All-Star Leap is Real for the Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have a surprising 32-39 record after their win against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Chauncey Billups’ team is among the 2024-25 season’s most pleasant stories. The players have performed well since the start of 2025, including Avdija.
In nine March 2025 games, Avdija has averaged 23.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Those are All-Star numbers, further proving Deni is a clear-cut Blazers building block. He is worth more than the two first-round picks they sent to Washington alongside Malcolm Brogdon. Alongside the young Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, Portland’s promising future hinges on Avdija’s rise.
Incredible night from Deni Avdija in Portland’s 4th straight win!
36 PTS
— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2025
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Billups Feels Avdija Has Settled Into the Blazers’ System
At the start of the 24-25 season, Deni struggled offensively. He was still adjusting because he played in Washington’s system for his four seasons. Billups put Deni on the bench to become more comfortable as a go-to guy. It worked because Avdija found his confidence and became a much better player.
Deni has already shown he could be a strong defensive player but has become a focal point for Portland. The combination of Avdija and Toumani Camara makes for a fearsome defensive duo. They have the size, length, and speed to keep up with almost any player. The promising pair does not have issues guarding everyone from point guards to the big men.
Offensively, Deni has found his niche as a well-rounded player. Avdija is most dangerous when he plays in transition due to his blistering speed. Deni pairs that speed with surprising power, which makes him unstoppable when he goes downhill. Alongside his excellent paint scoring, he has improved his three-point shot to a reliable 37.2% since the start of 2025.
“He’s (Deni) been incredible. Again, I tell you, we’re all learning more about one another the whole time…. I think the way we are playing, with the pace, it suits him,” Billups said after the win against Denver. “I always say, the people who play with force do well in this league. He plays with a ton of force, but I like everything he’s doing.”
THAT BALL MOVEMENT
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— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 22, 2025
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Avdija Will is a Member of Portland’s Promising Future
The Blazers have one of the best young cores in the league. Avdija is part of that because he just turned 24 in January. Alongside Henderson, Sharpe, Camara, and Donovan Clingan, Deni has cemented his place in Rip City.
With how he has played since the start of 2025, Avdija could make an All-Star team in the 2025-26 season. Deni is only in his fifth season, so he has a lot of room for growth. Being a Blazers building block is helpful because he has embraced a versatile role. In the Blazers’ system, he will stay as a top defensive stopper and a reliable offensive player.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played like this before. I think I knew I had it in me. But, I’m not really thinking about it, I’m just playing,” Deni said in his post-game interview after the Denver game. “I’m just free, I love playing around the guys. I love being on the court with our team. Regardless of how much I score, every night somebody shows up.”
General manager Joe Cronin deserves credit for making such a great trade for Deni. Brogdon was a good leadership figure, but Avdija has become a central figure in Portland. He is only 24 but has emerged as one of the team’s vocal leaders. The numbers are also impressive, especially in March 2025 when he entered All-Star territory. Avdija is finally comfortable in Portland, and he is reaching his pre-draft potential.
Photo credit: © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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