Deni Avdija’s Breakout Season Hits All-Star Milestone - and Portland’s Taking Notice
Deni Avdija didn’t light up the scoreboard in his All-Star debut - five points, four assists, one rebound in 15 minutes - but make no mistake: his appearance in the league’s midseason showcase was a statement. If you haven’t been paying close attention to what he’s doing in Portland, now’s the time to start. The 23-year-old forward is in the midst of a breakout campaign, and his All-Star nod was less about one night and more about everything he’s built this season.
Avdija also made history in the process, becoming the first Israeli-born player to make an NBA All-Star team. That’s a milestone that carries weight far beyond the hardwood.
“I have definitely worked hard, sacrificed a lot of my time to get to the best stage in the world,” Avdija said. “And I feel like this is a dream come true for every kid that actually wants to play basketball. Having a whole country behind me, it’s just a blessing to represent it on the biggest stage in the world.”
His journey to this point has been anything but linear. After four seasons in Washington where he showed flashes but never quite broke through, the trade to Portland in the summer of 2024 changed everything.
Since arriving, he’s found his rhythm - and then some. Through 46 games, Avdija is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
That’s not just impressive - that’s elite company. He’s one of only three players in the league currently putting up those numbers.
This version of Avdija is confident, composed, and clearly comfortable in his new surroundings. And he’s not just playing well - he’s embracing a leadership role on a young, rebuilding Blazers team.
“I definitely want to amplify a good culture into the organization,” Avdija said. “I hope I’m going to stay in Portland.
I love the city, the fans, and I think we’re in a good spot. I’m glad to be part of this rebuilding (effort) and I’m really seeing a bright future.”
That kind of buy-in from a rising star is exactly what Portland needs as it transitions into a new era.
Lillard’s Comeback Continues with Three-Point Contest Win
Meanwhile, a familiar face is still making his presence felt. Damian Lillard, now deep into recovery from an Achilles tear suffered last spring, pulled off a feel-good moment by winning the three-point contest during All-Star Weekend. But for Lillard, it wasn’t just about the trophy - it was about the message.
Since the injury, he’s leaned on the advice of doctors, trainers, and fellow players who’ve walked the same road - names like Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Rudy Gay. Their encouragement helped him keep perspective and stay focused on the road ahead.
“I do think I represent strength,” Lillard said. “We are athletes, so when we go through an injury, people act like it’s the end of the world because people are used to us being lifted up and everything being about us.
But people go through way worse and they carry on and they continue to move forward. So, for me, it was more about representing strength for people.”
That mindset - resilience, determination, and a sense of purpose - is classic Dame. Even as he works his way back, he’s still setting the tone.
Rising Stars, Rising Expectations
Portland’s youth movement was also on display during the Rising Stars event, where Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen faced off as opponents. The two big men are used to going at it in practice, but this time the lights were brighter - and the stakes just a little higher.
“It just shows me the next step, to try to play on Sunday, to really just put the work in,” Clingan said. “Obviously I’ll take a couple days off, get a nice little break, and then really just work for Sunday for the future.”
Both players are still developing, but the All-Star Weekend experience gave them a taste of what could be - and a clear target to chase.
Moda Center Upgrades in the Works as Sale Looms
Off the court, the Trail Blazers are making moves that could shape the franchise’s long-term future. The organization is seeking $600 million in public funding from Oregon state legislators to renovate the Moda Center - a project that would come ahead of the team’s expected sale to Tom Dundon.
There’s been growing concern in some circles that the team could eventually relocate, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed those fears over the weekend, saying there are no current plans to move any existing franchise.
Still, the push for upgrades is about more than aesthetics. It’s about ensuring that Portland remains a viable and competitive NBA market - not just for players, but for ownership, fans, and the league itself.
The Bottom Line
From Deni Avdija’s All-Star breakthrough to Lillard’s inspiring comeback and the next wave of young talent making their mark, the Trail Blazers are in the midst of a significant transition - one that’s full of promise. There’s still work to be done, on and off the court, but the foundation is there. And if Avdija’s rise is any indication, Portland’s future might be closer than we think.