
The rise of Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija continued Tuesday during a 125-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Moda Center.
Avdija led the Blazers with a season-high 30 points and added nine rebounds with four assists, a performance coach Chauncey Billups recognized as the forward’s best since arriving to Rip City this season.
“I think that’s fair to say,” Billups said. “He’s played so many good ones. He really has.”
Avdija, typically humble about his play, reluctantly accepted the praise.
“I’ll give it to him if he thinks that,” Avdija said with a smile. “I believe him. I feel like I just try to help the team every game. But I don’t know why today made it like, my best performance, but I’ll go with it.”
To Billups’ point, Avdija has been stringing together quality performances for some time, including some that are not fully defined by statistics.
“Obviously, his scoring was a big deal today,” Billups said. “But he’s played so many good games defensively.”
Avdija has become one of the team’s most consistent defenders and has developed into a vocal leader. Plus, his ability to drive into the paint with force to create — a trait Billups covets — has elevated the offense.

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives past Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on January 28, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)Getty Images
Billups has pointed out that Avdija was not asked to do much of what the Blazers ask of him during his four years with the Wizards. That reality led to an adjustment period for Avdija.
“It took me a while,” Avdija said. “With responsibility, sometimes it’s tough. I had games that I had 10 turnovers or I couldn’t really handle the ball that well.”
Repeated opportunities to fine-tune his abilities have created a more versatile player, who in January is averaging 18.9 points on 50.6% shooting to go with 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
During Sunday’s loss to Oklahoma City, Avdija’s line included 28 points with eight rebounds and eight assists.
“Sometimes, I didn’t do a good job, but I’m learning,” Avdija said. “I feel like I had a great coaching staff that really pushed me, and gave me confidence to do those things. And I’m learning, and I’m working hard, and I feel like I’m solving it and I figured it out. So I’m happy.”
His teammates are also impressed by Avdija’s ability to initiate the offense and lead fast breaks, which alleviates some pressure off point guard Anfernee Simons.
Simons also marvels at Avdija’s versatility.
“His ability to just adjust to any situation,” Simons said. “Obviously, coming off the bench earlier in the year, he stayed the same Deni. Even when he’s starting or coming off the bench, he’s going to play the same exact way.”
That includes being in tune with his teammates.
“He’s always willing to listen to what everybody has to say, whether it’s good or bad, coaches or even players,” Simons said. “His ability to just adapt to what’s going on. Me and him have been having constant communication on what to look for.”
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)