Contract Security Fuels Deni Avdija’s Breakout; Scoot Henderson Continues Rehab Without Timetable
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Deni Avdija is turning a modest extension into a bargain. The sixth-year forward is averaging career highs of 26.2 points and 6.9 assists, numbers that have validated the four-year, $55 million deal he signed for “security, not headlines.”
“It gave me a lot of calmness, because I know I’m secure,” Avdija said, according to The Athletic. He noted that his agent pushed for a shorter contract, but he preferred stability. “If I outplay my contract, I outplay my contract. We will deal with that later. I’m not going to worry about $10 million more or $20 million less. This is what I got, and I’m going to say thank you and not take it for granted. It’s still a lot of money.”
Scoot Henderson Runs, Still Awaits Clearance
Rookie guard Scoot Henderson has not played this season after tearing his left hamstring, and the Trail Blazers have set no target date for his return. There was, however, a visible step forward this week: Henderson completed full-court sprints following Tuesday’s practice, The Oregonian reported.
Interim head coach Tiago Splitter urged patience. “He is progressing. Everybody’s a little bit frustrated about this, but it’s a tough injury,” Splitter said. The coach stressed the organization’s long-term view. “He’s a big part of our franchise. We’ve got to protect him. I think we’re doing the right thing and he’s feeling better day by day.”
Source: Hoops Wire
