Deni Avdija is starting to turn heads in the Pacific Northwest - and now, across the league. The Portland Trail Blazers forward has been nominated for Western Conference Player of the Month for October and November, a nod that speaks volumes about his breakout season, even as Portland sits outside the playoff picture.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a case of “best player on a struggling team” recognition. Avdija has been that good.
He’s averaging 25.8 points per game - a team-high - while also ranking second on the Blazers in both rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.8). That’s not just scoring in volume; that’s all-around impact.
He’s doing a bit of everything, and doing it efficiently.
For a Portland team that’s currently 10th in the Western Conference at 8-12, Avdija’s consistency and versatility have kept them competitive. He’s become the focal point of the offense, but he’s also facilitating and crashing the boards - the kind of do-it-all presence that gives a young team something to build around. It’s the kind of leap that turns potential into production.
Of course, the top Western Conference honor ultimately went to Nikola Jokic - and it’s hard to argue with the reigning MVP-level big man putting up a casual triple-double: 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. That’s video game stuff.
But the fact that Avdija’s name was mentioned alongside stars like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and James Harden? That’s a sign he’s earning league-wide respect.
In the East, it was Cade Cunningham who took home Player of the Month after averaging 28.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game - another young star stepping into the spotlight. Other nominees included a mix of rising talent and established names: Scottie Barnes, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, and Jalen Brunson among them.
But back in Portland, Avdija’s emergence is the real story. He’s not just filling a stat sheet - he’s becoming the guy the Blazers can count on night in and night out.
And while the team’s record might not scream “contender,” his individual play is forcing the league to take notice. This nomination?
It might just be the first of many.