No player is more important to the Portland Trail Blazers’ success in the 2026-27 season than Deni Avdija. The forward had a breakout season last year, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, earning his first-ever NBA All-Star nomination. A back injury slowed Avdija in the latter parts of the season and the playoffs, however. He played through the issue but never regained his full spark.
The injury is still a concern as Portland enters the new year, but Avdija himself appeared to dispel fears at Trail Blazers Media Day today. Blazer’s Edge media correspondent Conor Bergin indicates that, when asked about the injury, Avdija replied thusly:
Deni Avdija says he’s at 99.9% in terms of where he’s at with his back.
Says he had to get more treatment this offseason and work on moving more efficiently. The training staff did a great job building him a plan.
That’s good news for Trail Blazers fans at the start of the season. No matter what else transpires, no matter who else is added or subtracted, Avdija remains the key for Portland’s playoffs hopes in the coming campaign.