It's been a surprising season for the Portland Trail Blazers, who have been far more feisty than expected entering the preseason. While they are likely to win only 36 games, that would still be a dramatic 15-game improvement over last season.
That underscores the strides they've made this season despite flying under the radar. Especially with the Detroit Pistons having an even bigger improvement.
Still, Shaedon Sharpe has flashed star potential, Scoot Henderson went from looking like a draft bust back to being a solid prospect, and Donovan Clingan has been as good as advertised. However, one Blazer has been especially impressive. Deni Avdija was acquired from the Washington Wizards in an under-the-radar move that is quickly paying off for the Blazers.
Over his last 13 games, Avdija has gone supernova, averaging 26.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. That is superstar numbers, a sign of greatness, and a reason for the Blazers to continue to develop him, considering that he is barely 24 years old. If he has that type of production in him, then it would dramatically change both his and the Blazers' ceiling.
An unbelievable stat proves the Blazers already have a superstar in the making in Deni Avdija.
The Blazers could have the ninth pick in this year's draft, giving them another chance to add to their increasingly talented core. Even so, they will need a star to pull it all together. Adivja is looking increasingly like a star, with his shooting touch and ability to attack downhill, giving him star potential.
If he is able to develop into a star, then the Blazers would be much farther along in their rebuild. They have already increased their win total by 15 games over last season and could be in for another jump next season.
They will still have to make some tough decisions this summer, such as clearing out the logjam at center and potentially trading Anfernee Simons. Even so, the Blazers are clearly on the right track, with Adivja proving that after stealing him away from the Wizards before they really knew what they had.
All in all, the Blazers have been far better than expected, and some of that is due to the play of Adivja. His flashes of stardom are a welcome development for the rebuilding Blazers. If he can indeed become that player, then Portland could quickly get back into contention, assuming that another prospect on their roster will also break out.