After years of searching for a small forward with starter-level quality, the Portland Trail Blazers may have finally found one in Deni Avdija.
Apart from drafting rookie center Donovan Clingan in the NBA Draft, the other big move the Blazers made this summer was acquiring Avdija from the Washington Wizards in a deal that has generally been met with positive reviews. At 6-foot-9, Avdija brings a desired combination of size, athleticism, defensive chops and scoring ability — all while being just 23 on the team-friendliest of contracts.
In HoopsHype’s recent offseason list of the top 30 small forwards in the NBA, Avdija ranked No.