Israeli NBA standout Deni Avdija has opened the 2026-27 season in strong form, continuing to cement his status among the league’s top players. Further recognition arrived Tuesday when Bleacher Report named the Portland Trail Blazers forward to a list of five rising stars projected to earn their first All-NBA selection, alongside Cooper Flagg, Scottie Barnes, Alperen Sengun, and Austin Reaves.
"Heading into the season, concerns arose regarding Avdija's potential role on a revamped Portland squad," the article noted. "After developing into an All-Star-caliber player and offensive hub during the 2025/26 season, it seemed the aggressive forward would lose some of his ball-handling opportunities to incoming guard Ja Morant and returning franchise icon Damian Lillard. An injury has sidelined the former, while a role adjustment has seen the latter play slightly more off-ball. Yet the real reason the 25-year-old appears headed for his first career All-NBA selection is Portland’s realization that sidelining its best player would be completely irresponsible.
Maintaining elite production and efficiency
"Avdija led the league in drives per game last season, and he ranks a respectable second this year. No player averages more assists per game off drives, and no player gets to the free-throw line more frequently when attacking the basket. Even though his usage rate and field-goal attempts have dipped slightly, his averages of 22.3 points and 6.3 assists per game remain virtually unchanged compared to last season."
Bleacher Report concluded: "As an added bonus, he is turning the ball over less frequently than at any point since emerging as a primary offensive option, and he has developed great chemistry playing alongside Lillard. As the most important figure on a surprisingly strong Portland team, Avdija is well on his way to finishing the season as an All-NBA selection."
Through his first nine games of the campaign, Avdija is averaging 22.3 points on 47% shooting from the field, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, while trimming his turnovers to 3 per game - down from 3.8 last season.