Since day 1 of the rebuild the biggest question has been about how to get our star. Everyone always saying that its all moot until we have someone to build around. I believe that question was answered this season.

Now that we know we got the guy, we can start building the team to maximize his talents. That in my opinion is a much bigger success than a few extra wins this season. Better days ahead!

Thoughts? Go Blazers!

20 comments

  1. That’s the question I keep asking myself: is Avdija really a franchise player? He’s been incredible lately, but he still can’t create his own shot. I’m worried that a playoff defense could shut him down pretty easily.
    And when you look at other franchise guys like Shai, Doncic, Cunningham, Edwards, etc., they can all create their own shots and unlock a situation.

    I cant wait to see Avdija in play off to see his real ceiling.

  3. 100%

    I feel like team has to be smarter w/ his minutes tho.
    He plays w/ such intensity and can switch positions, and I mean, his on/off-court stats are dazzling,
    but this can’t go on forever. Yesterday dude was iced in between, and last game he played w/ a sprain.
    They got to manage him & his minutes WAY better if we wanna keep him healthy.
    And I know we don’t have much rn if he ain’t playing, but I don’t think keep playing him 38-39 mpg, w/ his style of play, is a healthy plan.

  4. Just imagine how much damage he would do if you surrounded him with 3&D players like Giannis in Milwaukee and Luka in Dallas.

    Cronin needs to start working on roster adjustments to maximize deni ability.

    he could easily averaged close to a triple double if you put shooters around him.

  5. I think deni is an elite number 2 on any playoff team I wouldn’t necessarily want him as my main guy… And it’s not taking anything from how amazing he’s doing this year (especially doing all the roles on the court)

  7. I agree Deni is our star but the issue under his current very team friendly deal we can’t give him what he’s worth in an extension. We would have to clear a crap ton of cap space the summer his deal is up to re-sign him

  8. Last season at the tail end, he was really cookin. Now he’s in the fuckin kitchen. Regardless of W/L, yeah, i love seein this dude play and i’m excited for the future of the franchise especially when Dame is back on the court with him.

  11. I think he’s the number 2 on a contender roster. More of a Kyrie or Rodman than a Bron or Jordan.

  15. This makes me excited for Dame to return – I hope Dame can genuinely let Deni be the guy and play off of him well.

    It makes me wonder about how they can work together, and hopefully make it better than when Giannis and Dame were together

  16. Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are the team’s future, full stop. Shae may not improve, Scoot may not work out, The Clingus may just be a rebound oriented big. Deni and Toum are our guys.

  18. Let’s see if his impact can still be there when playoffs come.. if he can sustain then he’s the guy.. if not, he needs someone to be no.1

  19. This.

    Deni has answered the most important question for any rebuilding team (do we have a guy we think we can make a deep playoff run with).

    I see the comments arguing about whether he is 1A guy but that’s tbd. Obviously I don’t think he’ll be Jokic but he’s still a freak and SGA was pretty inefficient last year and OKC got it done.

    I’m optimistic about Scoot. He had games last year where he mad 5+ 3s(never seen this from Sharpe despite his shooting mechanics looking prettier) and should be able bring the ball up and break a press.

    I think Sharpe’s fit in the starting lineup is becoming increasingly questionable as really I think we just need a pg like Jrue, Dame, Scoot who can do the above and hit a catch and shoot 3. Deni is being into the ground atm having to take the inbound pass and I think that’s contributing to our trouble closing.

    I think the condundrum’s now are more related to whether we rock with depth next year or go for a 2 headed monster of say deni and Lauri. I’m team depth given I like the OKC, Pacers method of relentless energy wearing teams down.

    If depth is the way then I feel we have the resources to get Deni some very good help to make us a top 6 team next year. Correct me if I’m wrong but we should have the MLE and dame. I’d envision our rotation next year as follows

    Scoot(optimism)/ Dame(optimism)/Jrue/Wesley
    Jrue/Sharpe/Tisse(Pls resign)
    Toumani/Grant/MLE/draft pick
    Deni/Grant
    Clingan/Timelord/Yang(optimism)

    Love that depth. I’d imagine we get either a stretch big or 3 and D wing with the MLE and/or the draft pick. I really hope Timelord and Tisse stay heathy and are resigned as if we lose them our depth goes out the window.

    I don’t really know what to do with Sharpe I really like him. Does he just need a peptide summer to bulk up and shoot 3s with medicine balls as PG13 suggested? I hold on to hope as he has touch but if he can’t shoot and is a weak link on defence I see it as a disservice to deni to stick him out there.

    I find it a fascinating squad of players with an opportunity to be really good if Dame is decent, Scoot improves. Sharpe hitting 3s and us nailing a MLE puts us at a punchers chance I believe. Time will tell but ultimately thanks Deni for being Lebron 2.0

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