Deni Avdija's exceptional season opening rolled on. After posting 20 points against Minnesota, 26 against Golden State, and 23 against the Clippers, the Israeli standout added 25 points featuring five three-pointers, with four rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in Portland's 122-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Avdija fell just one rebound shy of becoming the only Portland Trail Blazers player in franchise history to surpass 20 points and five rebounds in the season's opening four games.
Deandre Ayton, who shared the court with Avdija in Portland last season, "blamed" Deni for the Lakers' defeat. "Every shot he made he just kept rubbing it in," Ayton said.
NBA reporters expressed strong admiration for the Israeli's showing. "Deni Avdija is the best deal in the NBA. What an acquisition," Portland online persona ChadinPortland wrote. "Avdija is a completely legitimate All-Star," the Bowrld account, followed by tens of thousands, declared. CuffsTheLegend posted, "I'll say it again: Deni Avdija is the most underrated player in the National Basketball Association."
Reporter David Mackay suggested that one of Portland's key decisions involves starting the Israeli while bringing Jeremy Grant off the bench. "By moving Deni Avdija into the starting five this year and shifting Jeremy Grant to the bench, Portland has positioned two players competing for NBA awards. I'd be surprised if Deni doesn't receive votes for Most Improved Player, or if Jeremy doesn't capture Sixth Man of the Year," Mackay stated.
