The Portland Trail Blazers are still sitting in an awkward position in the Western Conference, as they are in ninth place with a 27-29 record at the All-Star break. After for straight years of missing the playoffs, the Trail blazers are doing what they can to get back toward the top. Luckily, they might already have their solution.
In the 2024 offseason, the Trail Blazers acquired Deni Avdija in a trade with the Washington Wizards. While it flew under the radar at the time, Avdija just made his first career All-Star appearance on Sunday, and the 25-year-old forward could be the franchise’s best building block.
At All-Star weekend, Avdija talked about how he wants to stay in Portland and build something special with this organization.
“I definitely want to amplify a good culture into the organization,” Avdija told The Oregonian’s Joe Freeman. “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.”