Latest news with #DeniAvdija
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Deni Avdija be the key to a Pistons-like turnaround for the Blazers next season?
Could Deni Avdija be the key to a Pistons-like turnaround for the Blazers next season? The Detroit Pistons made the biggest turnaround of any team this season and illustrated how quickly things can change. While that's tougher to do in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers might be a candidate to mimic Detroit next season. Advertisement For a few months now, the Blazers have looked more spry and confident. This is a direct result of several players flowing into their roles and getting the opportunity to explore their own game within those roles. The best example of that? Deni Avdija. A 6-foot-9 Israeli forward who came over from Washington last summer, Avdija has come on as of late after a slow to the season, when he averaged 11.4 points and was a sub-40% shooter from the field in his first 20 games. In fact, Avdija didn't crack the 20-point barrier over his first 19 games. Now, in April, Avdija is averaging 31.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 7 assists. Advertisement Granted, he's only played three games this month, but the point is he is flashing what he's capable of doing. With Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, not yet living up to expected franchise player status, Avdija has perhaps taken the mantle until further notice. Since the turn of the calendar year, the 24-year-old is putting up 19.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, becoming one of the team's leading playmakers and shot-takers. Avdija is playing with a far greater sense of freedom, probing defenses, snaking pick-and-rolls, displaying patience in the post and overall looking Luka Dončić-esque. Advertisement Most will rightfully wonder if Avdija's play is sustainable, and that's indeed the biggest question for Portland going into this summer. Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the hole against Jamal Shead of the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on April 3, 2025, in Toronto. (Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu via Getty Images) Because in Avdija, the Blazers have a cheat code in the form of his contract. When the Wizards extended him after his third season to $55 million over four years, no one realized just how big of a bargain that deal would be. Not only is Avdija's annual compensation level low — but it even declines in value as the contract ages. His last salaried year will sit at just $11.8 million, or an estimated 6.3% of the salary cap, and falls under $15 million next season, which brings Portland enormous levels of salary-cap flexibility, especially if the forward is trending toward stardom. Advertisement If Avdija's play has indeed leveled up and he's perhaps looking at an All-Star-caliber campaign next season, it's crucial for Portland to optimize its own salary sheet and benefit from the forward's modest compensation. That means, in particular, finding new homes to Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant. Both are solid players, but they don't seem to fit the blueprint of the roster moving forward, and their combined salaries will take up more than $67.5 million next year. Moving off both players will be difficult, as virtually no team is projected to have any type of meaningful cap space this summer — outside of Brooklyn — and why would teams be interested in taking on players who don't fit their rebuilding timelines? Advertisement This is where Portland could hope to identify teams with significant depth that wish to consolidate contracts. Essentially, the Blazers could break Ayton and Grant into smaller pieces, contractually speaking, assuming they find teams that actively wish to get more top heavy. But make no mistake. That's easier said than done. By and large, however, the Blazers shouldn't be looking to tear much down. A lot of what they have is working for them. The aforementioned Henderson is improving, as is his backcourt partner, Shaedon Sharpe, and the franchise appears committed to last year's lottery pick, Donovan Clingan, as its center moving forward. Advertisement Toumani Camara, Portland's two-way defensive ace, has started for the Blazers all season and is expected to continue to play a huge role. Anfernee Simons remains a major zone buster who can play off the attention given to others, meaning he's a weapon next to Henderson and Avdija, especially if both level up next season. That could mean a lot of open 3s for the 6-3 Simons. It's also worth noting the Blazers are expected to land in roughly the same spot in the lottery as last year, likely selecting within the top 10. Overall, the Blazers have a recipe for success. Now it comes down to figuring out if the ingredients are of high enough quality to push them into the playoffs next season. Advertisement We can assume they aren't much interested in making the postseason this year, as they sat Avdija for the final three minutes in Friday's loss to the Chicago Bulls, with the Blazers down five points. He had 37 points, 11 rebounds and five assists by that point and was slicing up Chicago's defense. Yet, instead of going for a potential win, the Blazers seemingly opted for more lottery balls. That might not be kosher for the NBA, and understandably so, but it does make sense for Portland to look at the Western Conference picture and decide to prolong its playoff push to next year. But regardless of how they finish out their last week of the season, the Blazers have become a team to watch next season.
Miami Herald
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Blazers, Spurs square off with fleeting postseason hopes on the line
The Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs look to keep their waning postseason chances alive when they square off Sunday in a late-season Western Conference game. Neither team has been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Portland (34-44) still has the best chance of the two of working its way into the postseason. The Trail Blazers are three spots and three and a half games behind 10th-place Sacramento with just four games to play after a 118-113 loss in Chicago on Friday. Deni Avdija led the short-handed Trail Blazers with 37 points and 11 rebounds in the loss while Dalano Banton contributed 21 points, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 17 points and Donovan Clingan pulled in 18 rebounds for Portland. The Trail Blazers hung tough despite having six key players (including leading scorer Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson) on the sidelines with injuries. Portland committed a season-low five turnovers in the setback and had 20 second-chance points off 19 offensive rebounds, seven of those from Clingan. "Our offensive rebounds really hurt Chicago throughout the night," Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. "We didn't shoot it well anywhere, to be honest with you. But offensive rebounds kept us in it." Portland has dropped five of its past seven games. To surpass the Kings, the Trail Blazers must win their final four games and have Sacramento lose its final five because the Kings also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Spurs (32-45) head to the Pacific Northwest for the first of a four-game road trip and after a 114-113 loss to East-leading Cleveland on Friday. San Antonio roared from behind in the final three minutes against the Cavaliers, forging a 14-2 run to pull within a point with 4.6 seconds to play. But Harrison Barnes missed a contested layup at the buzzer, dropping the Spurs to the sixth loss in their past seven games. "These guys have found a way to not go away numerous times and that just speaks to them individually and collectively as a group," San Antonio acting coach Mitch Johnson said about his team. "You wish that ball would've bounced in for their sake because they put so much into this deal. It's very rewarding as a coach at times to have that type of fight in your team." Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points in the loss, while Barnes added 23. Stephon Castle racked up 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds and Julian Champagnie scored 15 points. San Antonio trailed by 23 in the second quarter and by 16 in the fourth before fighting back. "In the second half, we did a better job of fighting, getting back into it," Barnes said afterward. "But the deficit that we created in the first half, I think that's where the growth opportunity is for us -- avoiding those situations." San Antonio sits five games in back of Sacramento with five games remaining in the regular season. The Spurs have captured the first three games against Portland in the season series, winning twice at home on Nov. 7 and Dec. 21, respectively, and in Rip City on Dec. 13. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blazers vs. Bulls Preview
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images After dismissing the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday 127-113, Portland declawed the Toronto Raptors last night 112-103. A third quarter surge that saw the Blazers outscore the Raptors 36-26 gave Portland the edge, and ultimately the victory going into the final period. Deni Avdija was blistering hot once again, racking up 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. But it was Shaedon Sharpe who gained notoriety by scoring a career high 36 points. He added 7 rebounds and 5 assists to the bag which aided the Blazers in getting its second consecutive win. At a Glance Who: Portland Trail Blazers (34-43) at Chicago Bulls (34-42) What: The Blazers try to steal a game in Chicago When: Friday, April 4 at 5 pm Pacific Where: United Center, Chicago, Il Why it Matters: Portland can add a third straight victory to their record with a win tonight How to Watch: Via antenna or cable, see your options on the Rip City Television Network for streaming; BlazerVision in Oregon and Washington and League Pass elsewhere Trail Blazers Injuries: Anfernee Simons, Duop Reath, Toumani Camara (day-to-day); Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, Scoot Henderson, Bryce McGowens, Sidy Cissoko (out). Wizards Injuries: Lonzo Ball, Jevon Carter, Julian Phillips, Dalen Terry (questionable); Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones (out). What to Expect from the Blazers Expect Portland to come out firing against Chicago as they try to land another unlikely road win. Deni Avdija has shown flashed of the star player Portland has sorely lacked most of the season, and if he can consistently put up the numbers that he has over the last ten-plus outings, the Blazers look far more menacing. Toumani Camara didn't quite look himself against the Raptors with only 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. If he's able to return to action after leaving yesterday's game with an ankle injury, plan for Tou to come back and reassert himself in Chicago. Defense will be key, especially under the hoop, if Portland wants a third-straight W. What to Expect from the Bulls Oddly enough, the Bulls are also coming off a victory at the expense of the Toronto Raptors. Chicago won 137-118 without much fuss from Toronto. The Bulls found a way to get to the charity stripe more often than their opponent, converting 23 out of 27 attempts. In addition, they outrebounded the Raptors 49-35 and managed to score 70 points in the paint against Toronto's measly 44. Advertisement Expect the Chicago to assert themselves down low against Portland tonight. Nikola Vucevic will try to manhandle the Blazers' bigs, scoring at will and gobbling up rebounds. If the Bulls can dominate the paint tonight as they did against Toronto, they will give themselves a fighting chance to secure the victory at home. Reader Questions Before most games, we ask you all to make our previews better by asking us questions! Keep your eyes peeled for posts just like this to add your questions and (possibly) have them answered right here in these very previews! From: WinningHoop: ...let's say a miracle happens and we finish in the Play-In, how do you see our chances against our potential opponents there (Kings, Suns, Mavs, Memphis, Clippers) ? Let's not downplay the word you used, 'Miracle,' because that is exactly what it would take for Portland to enter the Play-In. They'd have to win, win, and win some more, while those teams in front would have to lose, lose, and keep losing. But let's say it happens. What then? Advertisement It would be fun, that is for sure! The Play-In would be the first big test of Portland's mettle when it really matters. This young squad has never felt pressure like that. In my opinion, the Blazers might be able to steal one against the Mavericks or Clippers, but I don't like the idea of Portland playing off against the Grizzlies, Suns, or Kings. From: Nurkitch Do you think [Chicago will] rest players hoping it helps catapult [the Blazers] into the playoffs so they can take the pick we owe them? This is an interesting question. Portland does owe Chicago a first round draft pick that was dealt to them years ago. One stipulation placed on that pick is that if it falls anywhere in the lottery, the Blazers keep it and Chicago hopes for better luck next year. So far, it hasn't communicated. Players don't tank, management does. This Bulls roster will come out firing, hoping to secure a win. These guys aren't thinking about draft picks, they are thinking about how to earn another win. Thank you all for the questions, and for making our previews better! Advertisement More from
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sharpe and Avdija lead the Trail Blazers to a 127-113 win over the Hawks
ATLANTA (AP) — Shaedon Sharpe had 33 points and 10 rebounds and Deni Avdija finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Atlanta Hawks 127-113 on Tuesday night. Toumani Camara scored 18 points and Donovan Clingan and Dalano Banton added 11 points apiece as Portland snapped a four-game skid. Trae Young had 29 points and 15 assists for Atlanta. Dyson Daniels had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Vit Krejci scored 13 points and Onyeka Okongwu 12 in the loss. The Trail Blazers took the lead with 8:26 remaining in the second quarter and never looked back. Portland led 57-54 at halftime behind 16 first-half points by Avdija. Sharpe led the way in the second half, scoring 17 points in the last two quarters. Takeaways Trail Blazers: Portland is four games back of idle Sacramento for the 10th and final spot in the play-in tournament that starts April 15. The Trail Blazers won both their games against the Hawks. Hawks: With Atlanta's loss, the Indiana Pacers clinched a playoff spot. The Pacers, second in the Central Division behind Cleveland, are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings at 44-31. The Hawks have secured a postseason berth. Portland led 57-54 at halftime and took control with a 40-30 third-quarter. The Trail Blazers led by as many as 18 points. Key stat The Trail Blazers had a 66-58 scoring edge in the paint. Up next Portland plays the fourth game of a five-game trip on Thursday in Toronto. Atlanta is at Dallas on Wednesday. ___ ___
Washington Post
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Avdija scores 36 points to lead Trail Blazers to a 128-109 win over Nuggets
PORTLAND, Ore. — Deni Avdija had 36 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 128-109 win over the Denver Nuggets, who were without star center Nikola Jokic for the third straight game. Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points as the Trail Blazers dominated the second half (74-50) to cruise to their fourth straight victory. Portland remained two games behind Dallas and Phoenix for 10th place in the Western Conference and the final spot in the play-in tournament. Aaron Gordon scored 23 points for Denver, which lost its second straight and is a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for third place in the West. Portland's Donovan Clingan and Anfernee Simons were both late scratches due to illness. Denver led 59-54 at halftime and held their advantage until early in the third quarter when the Blazers went on a 14-0 run to take control. Sharpe's three-point play with 8:18 left in the third gave Portland its first lead at 69-67. A 3-pointer by Peyton Watson sparked the Nuggets on an 11-2 run to tie it at 78. The teams traded baskets after that run before the Blazers closed the quarter on a 6-0 run to lead 88-82 heading into the fourth quarter. The Nuggets pulled their starters down 118-98 with 4:19 left. Nuggets: With Jokic nursing an ankle injury, the Nuggets have relied even more on Gordon, who has averaged 29 points in the three games Jokic has missed. Trail Blazers: They honored their NBA Finals teams from 1990 and 1992. Rick Adelman, the coach of those teams, said he was grateful the Blazers honored those squads when they played against Denver where his son, David, is an assistant coach. 'It's a special night,' Adelman said. Scoot Henderson's putback dunk with 6:59 left in the third quarter brought the crowd to its feet, part of a 14-0 Blazers run. Portland had a 26-10 advantage in second-chance points. Nuggets: Play at Houston on Sunday night. Trail Blazers: Host Boston on Sunday night. — AP NBA:
