Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is making waves in the NBA as his performance this season has earned him a significant boost in the Ringer’s latest player rankings. In an updated list released recently, Avdija climbed 13 spots to reach No. 40, reflecting his accelerating progress as a standout player. Previously ranked at No. 53 on October 15, his current place in the rankings is supported by impressive statistics.
As of now, Avdija is averaging 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over 19 games while maintaining an efficient shooting percentage of 47.8% from the field, 38.9% from three-point range, and 80.3% from the free-throw line. This remarkable scoring ability places him as the 17th-highest scorer in the league.
Danny Chau of the Ringer noted Avdija’s impressive transition into a primary scorer role and how he has embraced the increased responsibility on the court. His elevated performance this season has allowed him to log more possessions as a pick-and-roll initiator than during his previous full seasons. His ability to combine physicality with speed is leading to a high rate of trips to the free-throw line, comparable to that of star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Notably, Avdija’s frequent drives also contribute to his playmaking, making him one of the most effective players at driving to the basket and creating opportunities for teammates.
In a personal addition to the rankings, Bill Simmons, founder and CEO of the Ringer, expressed even greater confidence in Avdija’s abilities. On a recent episode of his podcast, he revealed that he placed Avdija at No. 22 on his personal list, stating, “He did it last year. He’s even gone up a higher level this year. He’s proven to me that he can be the best player on a good team if you had a good team around him.”
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The Ringer’s rankings also highlighted the contributions of other Blazers players. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday made a notable jump from his previous ranking to land at No. 51, gaining 19 spots since October. The analysis by Kirk Goldsberry emphasized Holiday’s significant impact on the team, illustrating how his veteran presence has brought leadership and maturity to a young roster. His performance has also been revitalized by the emerging talent surrounding him, as demonstrated in their standout victory over Oklahoma City, where Holiday played a crucial role down the stretch.
Meanwhile, forward Toumani Camara, while still recognized at No. 90, experienced a slight drop from his earlier ranking. The Ringer’s analysis indicated that a decline in his three-point shooting percentage contributed to this slip. Despite his defensive prowess, Camara’s effectiveness on the offensive end will need to improve to elevate his standing in future rankings. His understanding of offensive dynamics remains a strength, but without a reliable scoring threat, he may continue to face challenges in gaining recognition.
Overall, Avdija’s rise in the rankings reflects a promising trajectory for the Trail Blazers, demonstrating both individual growth and the potential for team success as they build around their emerging star.
