Now in his sixth year, Avdija is averaging career highs in points (25.8) and assists (6.1) to go along with 7.1 rebounds per game. He has emerged as the primary offensive weapon for the Blazers and is one of only four players in the NBA averaging more than 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The others (Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks) are all in the MVP conversation.

But beyond the statistical production, it’s Avdija’s relentless force driving to the basket that got the attention of Pina, who compares him to some of the best one-on-one scorers of the past 15 years.

Avdija not only leads the whole freaking league in drives, but he’s able to get downhill with his right hand almost whenever he wants. Screw a well-executed scouting report—most defenders are simply unable to make the 6-foot-8 wrecking ball do what he doesn’t want to do.

How Avdija’s scoring right now is indicative of someone who’s solved NBA defense: Not to put him on the same level as prime James Harden or DeMar DeRozan, but his rip-through has become one of this season’s most unstoppable moves.

Honorable mentions for Pina included Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, and Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. In Pina’s eyes, though, Avdija’s improvement has been the most significant.

This dude has gone from an awesome role player on a very good contract to an obvious All-Star who can be the engine of a pretty good offense that doesn’t even surround him with elite 3-point shooting.

For the other major awards, Pina chose Jokic as MVP, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel as Rookie of the Quarter, San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Quarter, and the Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra as Coach of the Quarter and Jaime Jaquez Jr. as Sixth Man of the Quarter.

Portland forward Jerami Grant received an honorable mention in the Sixth Man of the Quarter category. After a hot start as a reserve, Grant has moved into the starting lineup while other Blazers are injured, so it remains to be seen if he will be eligible for that award by season’s end.

Avdija, Grant, and the rest of the Blazers are in Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Pacific.