Portland, OR — Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija welcomed his first All-Star selection even as recurring back pain kept him out of Sunday’s 114-101 loss to the Cavaliers. The 23-year-old has missed three of Portland’s last five contests and six games since January 13.
“I have a lot of other things I think about,” Avdija told reporters, emphasizing the team’s current struggles over his All-Star recognition.
Sunday also brought roster movement in Portland. The Blazers acquired guard Vit Krejci from Atlanta and saw the return of Blake Wesley, sidelined since October 31 with a broken right foot. Wesley logged 19 minutes, posting five points, three rebounds and four assists. “Bring the energy. Bring the spark off the bench,” Wesley said of his role.
Markkanen left off All-Star roster
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, averaging 27.4 points and 7.1 rebounds through 36 games, was not named an All-Star reserve. Speaking before the announcement, he said, “I think I’ve played at that level … obviously, that is an individual goal of mine.”
Porter Jr. at peace with Denver trade
Michael Porter Jr., now with the Brooklyn Nets and reportedly a trade candidate again this week, told the Denver Post he bears no ill will toward the Nuggets for last summer’s deal. “I don’t look back at it with any saltiness,” he said, noting Denver’s return of Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. “It kind of worked out for everybody.”
DiVincenzo credits Middleton’s influence
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo cited former Bucks teammate Khris Middleton as his most impactful veteran during an appearance on the “RedHead Sports Pod.” DiVincenzo said Middleton “just knew how to get a bucket and he knew how to be a pro.” The fifth-year guard averaged 12.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals in January.
The All-Star break begins February 13, giving Avdija and other banged-up players a brief window to heal before the season’s stretch run.
Source: HoopsRumors
