Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija missed out on All-NBA honors by one spot, according to the NBA.
With one second-place vote and 23 third-place votes, Avdija’s 26 points led all players who received votes but did not make any of the three All-NBA teams. Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren got the next-most votes and secured the last All-NBA third team spot with eight second-place and 63 third-place votes for a total of 87 points.
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham both made All-NBA first
team after both petitioned the NBA for an exception to the 65-game minimum to be eligible for season-ending awards. If either player’s petition had been unsuccessful, Avdija would have made All-NBA third team. Damian Lillard (2023, third team) was the last Blazers player to win All-NBA honors.
Avdija would have held the distinction of being the first Blazers player in franchise history categorized as a small forward to win an All-NBA award.
Here’s the total list of Blazers All-NBA winners:
First Team
2017-2018 – Damian Lillard – G
1991-1992 – Clyde Drexler – SG
1977-1978 – Bill Walton – C
Second Team
2020-2021 – Damian Lillard – G
2019-2020 – Damian Lillard – G
2018-2019 – Damian Lillard – G
2015-2016 – Damian Lillard – G
2014-2015 – LaMarcus Aldridge – FC
2008-2009 – Brandon Roy – G
1990-1991 – Clyde Drexler – SG
1987-1988 – Clyde Drexler – SG
1983-1984 – Jim Paxson – SG
1977-1978 – Maurice Lucas – PF
1976-1977 – Bill Walton – C
Third Team
2022-2023 – Damian Lillard – G
2013-2014 – LaMarcus Aldridge – FC
2013-2014 – Damian Lillard – G
2010-2011 – LaMarcus Aldridge – FC
2009-2010 – Brandon Roy – G
1989-1990 – Clyde Drexler – SG
