By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Portland Trail Blazers showcased a deep, international core during their preseason media day on Monday, highlighting a global group ready to reshape the franchise. Fresh off an All-Star campaign, Deni Avdija expressed real optimism about sharing the floor with stars Ja Morant and Damian Lillard.
“I look at it as a positive thing,” the 25-year-old Israeli forward remarked regarding the backcourt upgrades. “I can catch more off the run. I’ll run more in transition. Maybe I’m not going to get fatigued as much bringing the ball up the court. It just makes the spacing a lot better.”
Crucially, Avdija put to rest any lingering concerns about his offseason back health. He is healthy. “I’m 99.9% good and ready,” he said, though he acknowledged the next step is simply getting back into game shape. He credited the performance staff for adjusting his weight room plan to help him move more efficiently.
Belgian forward Toumani Camara emphasized that pure talent is secondary to locker room chemistry. “A lot of stuff comes off the court,” he explained. “How really tied in, how really connected you can be with your team.”
In preparations for his fourth year in Portland, he focused heavily on his frame, trying to build up muscle early in the summer to absorb hits and control the boards. Camara also praised new head coach Micah Nori for being upfront and detailed.
Looking at a versatile roster featuring French winger Sidy Cissoko and Polish forward Jeremy Sochan, Camara noted that for players who ‘don’t really get as many touches offensively’, success comes down to earning trust. Alongside Czech Vit Krejci, this group remains locked in a shared mission.
Training camp formally starts Tuesday. Following the preseason games, the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season opens against the Phoenix Suns in Moda Center on October 21.
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