Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija has been named a finalist for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons join Avdija as the other two finalists for the award.
Compared to last season, Avdija’s points per game have improved from 16.9 to 24.2 while maintaining similar efficiency. The 6-foot-8 forward has become the focal point of the Portland offense, being utilized as the Blazers’ primary creator on the route to their
first postseason appearance in five years. On the season, Avdija also posted averages of 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, and earned his first career All-Star appearance.
Avdija faces a difficult battle against the other two finalists. Alexander-Walker had the largest PPG increase of any player in the NBA, jumping from 9.4 points per game to 20.8 on increased efficiency, including nearly 40% shooting from three. Alongside Avdija, Duren also played his way to an All-Star appearance, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 28 minutes a night.
The winners for individual honors are slated to be announced throughout the next month during the NBA playoffs.
