By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Deni Avdija previewed his sixth NBA season and second with the Portland Trail Blazers, following offseason additions in Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard.
Before focusing on the 2025-26 campaign, the 24-year-old Israeli power forward played for his country in EuroBasket 2025.
“I’ve been in stressful situations, kind of like a win-or-go-home type of tournament. So, I feel like performing under pressure, taking care of the ball, and just creating off the dribble, going left,” he said during the preseason media day on Monday, describing incoming traits from the recent FIBA tournament.
In his 2024-25 journey in the league, Avdija recorded new career-highs in 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
“My role on this team is to continue where I left off, being vocal with everyone, being a leader, helping everybody be in the best positions possible, and maximizing the team’s potential. Just compete. Do what I do. Set the tone offensively, defensively,” he said about the next season.
“I don’t think I’m a finished product yet. I do want to add a lot of stuff to my game, but I’m doing it with a lot of patience. I’m not rushing,” he explained on further improvements, “I think the next step for me is to take care of the ball a little bit better. Control the game better. Slow down sometimes when I need to. Other than that, I think I am on a good path.”
“The sky is the limit”
With 20-year-old towering center Yang Hansen and veteran Holiday adding to the defensive strength of the Blazers, Belgian Toumani Camara hopes to expand from last season’s NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection.
“I think the sky is the limit, really. I think we have so many tools that we can use in different ways, so many different lineups that we can do to mess teams up. So, I’m very excited we can do that on the floor, for sure. Everybody has the energy, and everybody wants to play defense,” mentioned the 25-year-old forward.
Among summer moves, Lillard is projected to sit out the entire season, rehabbing a torn Achilles.
“I’ve seen Dame here in there. More in the weight room. He’s not really practicing. But I had a little bit of conversation with him. Great dude,” said Avdija, “I’m happy he’s back in Portland. I know how much this team and this city mean to him. I want to give this city a championship as much as he does. So, I can’t wait to work with him on the court.”