Deni Avdija continues to acclimate to life as a basketball player in Portland. After being introduced last week as the newest player for the Blazers, he arrived Sunday in Las Vegas to watch the team play a summer league game, and on the way he was interviewed on the team's official website.
"I'm a late-developing player," Avdija said. "When I arrived in the NBA, I focused mainly on the defensive side and the offensive development came later. Over time, I gained experience and my teammates and the coaches began to believe in me and trust me more - which allowed me to stand out. I hope it will be the same in Portland. I experienced ups and downs during my time in the league, but in the last season I showed what I know."
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Deni Avdija checks out his new uniform and locker
(Photo: Portland Trailblazers' X account)
He also added about himself: "I am a player who can help the team win. I can do whatever is needed." About his new coach, former player Chauncey Billups, he said: "I am very excited to play under him. He is an excellent coach and was a great player. I hope I can learn from him." On his new friends on the team: "I met some of them today. I think we'll have a fun team to watch. We're a young and good team, and I think that's all that's needed for good basketball."
Avdija again referred to the announcement of the move from Washington to the Blazers, which caught him by surprise: "On the night of the draft, I went to bed and asked my father to wake me up if something unusual happened - and then it happened. It was a very big surprise, and not in good taste, but when I think about it I get a chance to play in the Western Conference, and that's nice, in every team I play I'll try to be the best player I can be."
"I spent four years in Washington and it was a beautiful journey. Now I'm coming to a new place and hope to show what I know and help the team. I'm very excited to start my new path in Portland."
Avdija played in Washington for four seasons after being selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft. He experienced a breakout year last season with averages of 14.7 points (50% from the field and 37% from three) and 7.2 rebounds.