Denny Avdija's Role Shifts in Portland Amidst Star Arrivals

Israeli basketball player Denny Avdija is entering the 2026-27 NBA season with a redefined role on the Portland Trail Blazers, following a career-best year where he became an All-Star and a primary offensive option. The team's acquisition of Ja Morant and the return of Damian Lillard have prompted analysis in the US regarding Avdija's future responsibilities.

Last season, Avdija saw increased ball-handling duties, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 66 starts. According to Yahoo Sports, Portland must now balance Avdija's playmaking abilities with the integration of Morant and Lillard into the offense. The publication noted that Avdija has already proven his capability as a significant offensive player and no longer needs to establish himself in that capacity.

Yahoo Sports has characterized Avdija's projected role as a "secondary offensive engine," emphasizing the significance of the word "secondary." With Morant accustomed to having the ball and Lillard providing another scoring and playmaking threat, alongside Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, Avdija's role will adapt. The analysis suggests Avdija does not need to compete to be the primary point guard, as his value has stemmed from his ability to create opportunities without that label.

Avdija's capacity to generate offense for himself and others is expected to remain, albeit in a different capacity within the team's structure. Portland recognizes his ability to lead offensive sets, and the goal is to leverage this skill in conjunction with the team's star players. Yahoo Sports highlighted his knack for grabbing a rebound and immediately pushing the ball, attacking mismatches, and creating for himself and teammates.

The analysis anticipates scenarios where Morant initiates plays, allowing Avdija to attack a defense already in motion, and other opportunities where Avdija can manage the offense when Morant is off the court. Lillard's return also presents another dynamic, but Avdija is not expected to become a passive player. Instead, his ability to exploit defenses focused on other stars could make him even more dangerous, leading Yahoo Sports to deem "secondary offensive engine" a more fitting description than simply calling him Portland's second option.