Avdija Looks Ahead: Building a Bright Future with the Blazers as He Prepares for EuroBasket Challenge

The Portland Trail Blazers likely missed their chance at the 2025 Playoffs, largely due to a sluggish beginning to the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. Nonetheless, Deni Avdija is looking forward with optimism toward the upcoming season.

“The outlook is incredibly bright. I truly enjoy being part of this team. We’re youthful, we’re dynamic, and we have a wealth of talent,” the 24-year-old Israeli forward expressed during an end-of-season press conference on Sunday.

“Ultimately, I’m just a person. Transitioning from an entirely different team, being traded here after spending four years in DC as my home, it’s a big change. Adapting to all the new players is challenging, not just in terms of gameplay but also off the court, as we work on developing chemistry. They need to understand your style and what you prefer on the court,” he recounted the initial difficulties. “It was tough. Building that rapport takes time, and I needed that time to settle in. However, once I did, everyone embraced me warmly, and I didn’t look back.”

Due to a sprained right thumb, Avdija ended the season on the injury list. Over 72 games, including 54 as a starter, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.

Before turning his attention to the 2025-26 campaign with the Blazers and beginning the next chapter alongside head coach Chauncey Billups, he will represent Israel in EuroBasket 2025.

“It’s extremely important for me to represent Israel,” he emphasized. “I genuinely enjoy playing with the national team, and I believe it will be beneficial for my preparation for next season, in terms of both fitness and leadership. I’m eager to play alongside my friends, and it’s something I find very hard to give up.”

During the preliminary stage of EuroBasket, Israel will be competing in Group D, facing Iceland, Poland, France, Belgium, and Slovenia in Katowice from August 28 to September 4. Finishing in the top four will secure them a place in the subsequent knockout rounds, scheduled in Riga from September 6 to 14.

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