Deni Avdija was one of many NBA’s most improved gamers in his first season with the Portland Path Blazers. After main Israel to an upset win at EuroBasket, Avdija is exhibiting his breakthrough season was no fluke.
Portland’s 24-year-old ahead, who completed eighth within the NBA’s Most Improved Participant voting final season, scored 23 factors, grabbed eight rebounds and picked off a surprising 5 steals as Israel upset Les Bleus, 82-69. Israel held France, ranked No. 3 at EuroBasket by FIBA, to only 13 fourth-quarter factors in a stellar defensive effort.
Avdija was the driving power behind the upset win. He scored 10 factors within the decisive fourth quarter, the place he collected three rebounds and drew three private fouls. Not often known as a high-flyer — Avdija dunked solely 20 occasions final season — he threw down twice towards France.
Final season, Avdija made a major leap ahead offensively, upping his scoring to 16.9 factors per recreation. Avdija has all the time been defender, however with Portland, he has discovered methods to be extra environment friendly, trying 4.8 three-pointers per recreation, up from 3.1 within the 2023-24 season, and drawing fouls for five.2 free throws per recreation, up from 3.6. He did not essentially shoot higher, however he shot smarter.
That was on show Sunday in Poland. Avdija drew 10 fouls, a mean of 1 each 2:37 of gameplay. He bought his 23 factors on solely 10 area aim makes an attempt, as a result of he went 3-for-4 from three-point vary and 6-for-9 from the foul line.
If this continues, it makes Avdija an particularly invaluable participant for Portland. He is efficient on offense and would not have to take a number of photographs — solely 11.7 FGA final season — however he may also run the over and take over as a scorer when he must, just like the fourth quarter towards France confirmed. On the similar time, Avdija is 6-foot-9 and capable of guard each ahead positions, averaging a steal and a half a block per recreation.
Israel is shocking observers throughout EuroBasket. It isn’t out of the query that the Path Blazers can do this subsequent season, too.
