Knowing a thing or two about breakneck speed after having recently starred on the NBA’s fastest-paced offense, Deni Avdija introduced his new fanbase to an open-floor repertoire that left even a former Defensive Player of the Year in confusion. Metaphorically leaving behind a blazed trail upon running the floor in transition, the Portland Trail Blazers’ do-it-all swingman weighs his options with Draymond Green stonewalling his path, and a two-on-one opportunity in his favor if he works quickly. Innovative and intuitive, Avdija plays a deceptive hand flawlessly, freezing the Golden State Warriors’ longtime star ever-so-slightly with a ball-fake before calmly balancing into an and-one, trimming the deficit to a dozen. A noteworthy presence on both ends of the floor during Portland’s season-opener on October 23, 2024, Avdija presented himself as a bright spot, even in defeat. Quick on the floor, and even quicker in his on-court impact, Avdija joined all four of Portland’s other starters in double-figures with 15 points, alongside seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. · Oct 24, 2024