Portland's Deni Avdija Becomes EuroBasket 2025's Top Underrated Star

When Deni Avdija, small forward of Portland Trail Blazers was dealt away by the Washington Wizards in early July 2024, most fans expected a modest return. Fast forward to September 2025, and the Israeli international is not only leading Portland’s offense but has also been crowned by ESPN analyst Neil Paine as the most underrated player heading into EuroBasket 2025Berlin. The shift from a trade‑deadline gamble to a franchise cornerstone is the kind of story that makes a season feel like a roller‑coaster.

Background: A Trade That Looked Like a Loss

The July 6, 2024 transaction sent Avdija to Portland for veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon’s expiring contract and the draft rights to Bub Carrington, the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. At the time, Wizards general manager Will Dawkins defended the move, saying the team needed a proven floor‑spacer and a future asset. Brogdon, a Harvard graduate, had been battling injuries all season, and Carrington’s rookie year produced modest numbers – 8.2 points, 3.1 assists and a 41.7% field‑goal rate over 58 games. In hindsight, the trade looked like a classic case of short‑term thinking.

Avdija’s Breakout Season in Portland

Portland gave Avdija a clear role as a two‑way wing, and the stats tell the story. Over 78 games he posted career highs of 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per contest, while shooting 60.5% from true‑shot range. Advanced metrics were even cleaner: a Player Efficiency Rating of 17.7, 5.6 Win Shares, and a RAPTOR rating of +1.7 above league average. The Blazers’ bench, once criticized for being “perennial underachievers,” suddenly had a reliable starter who could stretch the floor and defend multiple positions.

"He’s the kind of player you draft for the future, but he’s delivering now," said Portland head coach Chauncey Billups in a post‑game interview on March 12, 2025. "The way he reads the game, the confidence he shows on both ends – that’s exactly what we needed."

EuroBasket 2025: The International Stage Awaits

The tournament kicks off on July 2, 2025, with games spread across Berlin, Milan, and Riga. Israel’s opening matchup against Ukraine is scheduled for July 3 at the Mercedes‑Benz Arena in Berlin. Avdija, now 24, enters the competition with a résumé that includes a 2022 All‑EuroBasket Team nod, but his recent NBA surge has turned heads worldwide. ESPN’s Neil Paine placed him at No. 8 in his EuroBasket rankings, ahead of NBA players like Santi Aldama and Neemias Queta, noting that Avdija’s improved three‑point shooting and ball‑handling could make him a dark horse MVP candidate.

"He’s a different player now," Paine wrote on June 25, 2025. "If you’re looking for a talent that can influence games on both sides of the floor, Deni is it – and he’s still underrated at this point."

Reactions: Wizards Critics and Blazers Optimists

Back in Washington, the trade is being replayed on sports‑talk shows as a cautionary tale. Michael Lee of the fan‑run site wizofawes.com called it "the nightmare you keep waking up from," pointing out that Brogdon remained unsigned as of September 15, 2025, while Carrington failed to evolve into a rotation regular. "The Wizards gave up on a player who’s now on the verge of becoming a star, for a contract they can’t even move," Lee argued.

Portland’s own media, however, are singing a different tune. In a May 3, 2025 piece titled "2025 May Be Deni Avdija's Year," Blazer’s Edge senior writer Dave Deckard wrote, "Portland needs a star. There's one clear candidate, and he just proved he can deliver at the highest level." He added that the team’s future salary‑cap flexibility could allow them to lock Avdija in long‑term, setting the stage for a potential multi‑year extension.

Future Outlook: Contract Talks and International Impact

With Avdija’s rookie contract set to expire after the 2025‑26 season, the Blazers face a crucial decision. Sources close to the front office say a max‑type extension is on the table, especially if he continues his EuroBasket performance. "We see him as a foundational piece," a Portland insider whispered to the press. "If he can dominate internationally, his market value skyrockets, and we want to keep that momentum at home."

For Israel, Avdija’s emergence provides both a morale boost and a tactical advantage. The team’s coach, Oded Kattash, emphasized that Avdija’s NBA experience elevates the entire squad, allowing more offensive sets to be run through him. "He brings confidence and a professional mindset that rubs off on everyone," Kattash said during a pre‑tournament press conference.

Key Facts

• Trade date: July 6, 2024 – Avdija to Portland for Malcolm Brogdon and Bub Carrington’s draft rights.
• 2024‑25 stats: 16.9 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.9 ast, 60.5% TS%, 17.7 PER.
• EuroBasket ranking: No. 8 (ESPN’s Neil Paine, June 25, 2025).
• Israel’s first EuroBasket game: July 3, 2025 vs. Ukraine in Berlin.
• Wizards’ return: Brogdon unsigned, Carrington 8.2 pts per game.

What’s Next?

The next few months will be decisive for both franchises. Portland hopes to secure Avdija with a long‑term deal while the Wizards scramble to recoup value, possibly through future draft picks or a trade package. Meanwhile, EuroBasket will serve as the ultimate test of Avdija’s ability to perform under pressure on a global stage. If he lives up to the hype, the Blazers could be looking at a franchise‑changing era, and the Wizards will be left to wonder how they missed the boat.