Brian Windhorst Explains his Selection of Deni Avdija for NBA’s Most Improved Player Award
Avdija’s Performance Recognition
For the second consecutive year, Deni Avdija has emerged as a candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. This season, Avdija finished in eighth place, just slightly behind his previous position of sixth during his last season with the Washington Wizards. Out of 100 journalists who voted for this season’s awards, seven cast their votes for the Portland Trail Blazers’ star, with ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst giving Avdija his second place nod. Another journalist named Avdija as their number start pick, with their identity to be revealed by the league soon.
Windhorst’s Rationale
In a conversation with Sport Channel, Windhorst provided insight into his decision to support Avdija: “Deni took on a much more significant role in Portland, especially after the injuries, and Chauncey Billups learned to rely on him more. I was very impressed with his offensive side. We knew Deni could defend, but he significantly improved offensively and became a great second option; his game has really evolved.”
Windhorst noted, “Deni had several games where he made a difference for the Trail Blazers. It’s quite challenging to vote for the Most Improved Player; I’m less inclined to give my vote to a player on a rookie contract because that’s when they are expected to improve (Avdija is on his second NBA contract). I would never vote for a player like Cade Cunningham. Deni was at a critical juncture in his career where he needed to demonstrate whether he would improve and develop into a serious player, and he proved that he did, so I voted for him.”
Interestingly, Windhorst ranked Lakers guard Austin Reaves as his top chostart.
Avdija’s Skills and Future Outlook
“Deni has excellent size that allows him to defend multiple positions, and beyond that-he genuinely wants to defend,” Windhorst remarked. “Sometimes players defend hard because they recognize they aren’t offensive players, but Avdija stands out on both ends of the court. While he might have been a strong offensive player in Israel, it was only this season that I was impressed by his offensive game in the NBA. It’s hard to know what his ceiling is.”
Windhorst continued, “start of the reasons Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin received a contract extension is due to the trade for Deni. They are very excited about his future.”
Optimism about Avdija, Pessimism for the Team
When asked about the team surrounding Avdija, Windhorst expressed a more pessimistic view: “I don’t believe that Portland, with its current roster, can make a leap similar to what Detroit or Houston has dstart. They don’t have a player who deserves a spot on any All-NBA team.”
He elaborated, “There are about eight to nine teams in the NBA currently rebuilding, and the best among them is San Antonio because they have Victor Wembanyama. There’s enthusiasm surrounding Portland’s young players, but I don’t think they have anystart who makes a difference like Cade Cunningham does for the Pistons. The Blazers need a prospect like that.