Deni Avdija has made significant strides in his offensive game this season, reaching an All-Star caliber. However, his defensive performance has diminished as his offensive responsibilities have increased. Sam Vecenie from The Athletic noted that Avdija’s defense has weakened compared to his previous performance with the Washington Wizards and earlier this season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Deni Avdija’s Impact on the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland’s current defensive struggles are evident. After finishing with a top-ten defense last season, they now rank 21st in defensive rating at 116.3. This decline has coincided with Avdija taking on a larger offensive role, averaging 25.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on shooting splits of 47% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line.
Challenges and Potential Solutions
- Increased Offensive Workload: Avdija’s scoring and playmaking duties have hindered his defensive focus.
- Injury Impact: The Blazers have faced early-season injuries, making Avdija’s contributions critical.
- Need for Additional Star Power: To relieve Avdija of some offensive pressure, the Blazers should seek to acquire more scoring talent.
Avdija’s individual defensive rating has dropped to 117.7, showing a marked decline from his previous season’s rating of 113.5. He possesses the physical abilities needed to excel defensively but is currently focused on his offensive game. For the Blazers to elevate their defensive performance, Avdija must become a more balanced two-way player.
The Importance of Two-Way Players
To contend for championships, teams often rely on players who can perform well on both ends of the court. Notable examples include the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, both of which have multiple two-way stars. The Blazers’ path to elite status may depend on Avdija developing into that kind of player.
In conclusion, while Avdija’s offensive transformation is noteworthy, achieving success will require a renewed focus on defense. Portland’s coaching staff and management must support him in finding the right balance to elevate the team’s performance.
