DeniAvdija

Preseason question: Avdija is coming off his best season to date despite the back injury that marred its final stretch. He compiled career-best offensive numbers while carrying a depleted Trail Blazers team for the first half of the year, earning his first All-Star nod and reshaping even the optimistic outlooks on his potential. But the addition of Ja Morant and the return of Damian Lillard could force him further back in line for opportunities than one would expect after such a strong postseason debut (including 41 points in a play-in victory). New coach Micah Nori has publicly committed to keeping Deni in a similar offensive role while also seeking to get him reengaged on defense. But how do you slow down a runaway freight train? Avdija’s no-brakes drives and his ability to manufacture free throws through force are the sources of his power. Limiting his touches could prove tricky, especially with unrestricted free agency awaiting him in the summer of 2028 and no clear path to renegotiating and extending his bargain contract until then.