Deni Avdija continues to be one of the standout players this season in the NBA, and the sports website The Ringer paid him tribute by ranking him No. 40 in their list of the 100 best players in the world’s top league — ahead of players such as Jaren Jackson Jr. of Memphis (41), O. Anunoby of the New York Knicks (42), Derrick White of Boston (45), Josh Giddey of Chicago (48) and LaMelo Ball of Charlotte (49). The Israeli is the highest‑ranked Portland player on the list; the team’s other two representatives are Jrue Holiday (51) and Tomáš Satoranský (90).
“The most impressive aspect of Avdija’s star-making season has been his capacity for scaling up his production to fit his expanded role,” the site wrote.
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Deni Avdija continues to be one of the standout players this season in the NBA
(Photo: Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP)
"Avdija has already logged more possessions as a pick-and-roll initiator than he did in the full seasons he played in years two or three. He is fully tapping into his physicality and downhill speed on drives, which has him getting to the line at a rate on par with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But his incessant drives are a larger playmaking conduit. No one in the league drives more often, and few pass out of drives more frequently. Avdija is just now finding his style as a primary option. It’s something the Blazers can confidently build on."
At the top of the ranking are Nikola Jokić at #1, followed by MVPs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Cade Cunningham round out the top 10, in that order.