Deni Avdija has provided the central story for the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2025-26 season. Hobbled by injuries and a general lack of shooting, the Blazers have struggled to advance to .500 since the first weeks of their campaign. Through it all, no matter the conditions or opponent, Avdija has led Portland’s attack. Playing forward, wing, and some kind of hybrid point guard position, Deni has averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists over 40 games, numbers not seen since superstar guard Damian
Lillard left town back in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, Avdija’s ascendance is getting notice across the league, including among media members who vote for postseason awards. This week two separate sources tabbed Avdija as a Most Improved Player in waiting, singing his praises at the midseason mark.
Ben Golliver of the Washington Post compares Avdija’s rise to a former famous MIP and cites the astonishing value in his production-to-contract ratio [subscription required].
The 25-year-old Deni Avdija’s mid-career breakthrough recalls Jimmy Butler’s most improved player campaign in 2014-15. Like the former Bulls wing, Avdija (26.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 6.9 apg) began his career on the bench and was tasked with doing the dirty work before he gradually earned more scoring opportunities through force of will and a relentless attacking approach.
A 2024 trade sent the Israeli forward from the Washington Wizards to Portland, enabling him to emerge as a No. 1 option on a roster in transition. Avdija’s nonstop drives to the hoop have made him a regular presence at the free throw line, so much so that opponents are publicly complaining about how often the referees reward him with calls. Despite his increased playmaking responsibilities, Avdija has continued to live up to his “Turbo” nickname with stellar defensive energy. While Portland’s losing record could make it more difficult for Avdija to land his first all-star selection, he has outperformed some rival stars who are earning more than twice his $14.4 million salary. Now that’s value.
At the same time, Zach Harper of The Athletic leads his Most Improved list with Avdija [subscription required].
The Blazers’ injuries have forced Avdija to be the lead initiator on this team, and he’s taken to that role really well. His shot profile and efficiency are really good too, as we’ve seen the Blazers forward post a career-best 61.2 percent true shooting. He’s gone from a nice role player to somebody who should be an All-Star.
The season is only half over, but if these trends continue, Portland’s prize player should be sitting pretty this spring, recognized for his accomplishments beyond the local stage.
