As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, the Portland Trail Blazers have been riding the wave of Deni Avdija's breakout performance. Fresh off his first All-Star nod, Avdija has become a focal point for Blazers fans, who have witnessed his impact at full strength, through injury struggles, and even in his absence. It's clear: more Avdija is a good thing for Portland.
A question from a fan recently caught our attention: "Is Deni Avdija really a star?" It's a straightforward query, but one that opens up a deeper conversation.
First off, the fact that we're even discussing Avdija in this context says a lot. This isn't a debate about bench players or role players-it's about a guy who's making waves.
His stats speak volumes: 24.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Those numbers place him in the Top 20 for points and assists, solidifying his status as a top starter for many NBA teams.
And let's not forget his defensive contributions. That's a package any team would love to have.
Now, is Avdija a superstar? Not quite yet.
Superstars are often MVP contenders, names like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. Avdija isn't in that tier, at least not now.
Plus, he's still new to this level of play. Sustaining it over multiple seasons is a different challenge.
There's also the "best player on a mediocre team" theory to consider. Avdija's impressive stats come partly because he's the main option on a team where others, like Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant, play more complementary roles. If he were on a stronger roster, his numbers might dip, changing perceptions.
But let's shift the focus. Instead of debating his star status, let's explore what kind of star he could be. Specifically, is Avdija a star point guard, or does his future lie elsewhere?
As the Blazers have regained health and added traditional point guards back into their lineup, both the team's tempo and Avdija's play have slowed. While still effective without the ball, Avdija isn't quite the same force.
Before this season, few would have pegged Avdija as a point guard. Yet his double-digit assist games, combined with his height and defensive skills, make you wonder.
One hurdle is his turnover rate-third highest in the league at 5.4 per 100 possessions. While this stat often reflects high usage more than carelessness, reducing turnovers would benefit both Avdija and the Blazers.
There's also the question of whether Avdija can truly run an offense beyond straightforward plays. Portland's current attack is effective but might need more complexity to reach greatness.
If Avdija is a point guard, he can thrive without needing to be extraordinary. His unique combination of size, scoring, assists, and defense gives the Blazers an edge. As a small forward or shooting guard, he'd need to maintain standout numbers to shine.
Conversely, as a point guard, Avdija could be very good without breaking into the elite. Other primary ball-handlers might outdo him in certain areas, but as a secondary passer and defender, he has top-tier potential.
So, instead of asking if Avdija is a star, let's consider if he's capable of being a star point guard. The jury's still out, and we're eager to see how this develops.
What do you think? Could Deni Avdija become the Blazers' go-to point guard in the coming seasons?
Would that be a positive move for the team? Let's hear your thoughts.