Portland’s Deni Avdija Gains All-Star Buzz After Strong Start

PORTLAND, OR — Deni Avdija, forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, is emerging as a potential candidate for the NBA All-Star team this season. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton highlighted Avdija among ten rising stars aiming for their first All-Star appearance, praising his performance since joining the team.

Avdija has been a standout player for the Blazers, averaging 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists after the All-Star break last season. Pelton notes, “If the Blazers can stay in the playoff mix, Avdija figures to be their most prominent All-Star candidate.” This season, Avdija continues to impress, scoring a game-high 33 points in a recent matchup, bringing his average to 24.1 points per game, ranking 19th in the league.

Notably, Avdija is showing efficiency with a shooting percentage of 49.1% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. He is also second on the team in rebounds and assists, showcasing his all-around game. The upcoming All-Star game format in 2026, which introduces a round-robin tournament, could spotlight Avdija as he is one of the league’s fiercest competitors.

The event will take place on February 15, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Changes have been made to address criticism of the lack of competitiveness in past All-Star games, and including Avdija could add excitement.

While the Blazers have started the season with a strong record, Avdija’s performance could dictate their postseason success and his All-Star candidacy. Fans are hopeful he will continue to shine as the season progresses and earn recognition on a national level.