Deni Avdija is at it again
After becoming the first Israeli all-star in NBA history last season, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is already proving that his breakout year was no fluke.
Through the first seven games of the young NBA season, the Trail Blazers are 6-1, best in the Western Conference. Avdija is averaging 23.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game, with two double-doubles.
Avdija was joined in Portland this season by fellow All-Stars Ja Morant and Damian Lillard (who joined in 2025 but did not play due to injury) — but the 25-year-old Israeli is still viewed as the team’s leader on offense. As The Athletic reported this week, that dynamic was secured during a phone call over the summer between Avdija and new Portland head coach Micah Nori.
Avdija, coming off a superb 2025-26 campaign, was concerned about his role entering this season with the addition of Morant and Lillard, two bona fide superstars with lengthy NBA resumes. Nori assured Avdija that his new teammates would only benefit him and his growth.
“He just was aware of what my strengths are, and he wanted me to continue the progression I made last season, he told me that was very important for him,” Avdija said. “I felt that. And I felt he really knew what was best for the team.”
So far, so good. Avdija not only leads the Trail Blazers in scoring, he also leads in minutes and field goal attempts per game. He is not lacking for opportunity. The fact that Avdija is the team’s clear No. 1, even with a much-improved roster from last season, speaks volumes to his ascension into one of the sport’s best.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency