Blazers’ Bet on Deni Avdija Paying Off; Suns Finding New Identity; Spurs Still Sorting Backcourt Fit
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Trail Blazers
Executives around the league questioned Portland’s decision on the 2024 draft night to send multiple first-round picks for forward Deni Avdija, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. Fifteen games into the season, the skepticism has eased. Avdija is averaging 25.9 points—nearly 10 more than his previous career best—and has entered early All-Star discussions. The Blazers sit at 7-9, positioning themselves for a potential play-in berth.
“He’s been awesome,” a Western Conference scout told ESPN. “He’s much better than I thought he was going to be when Portland traded for him.”
Avdija has already matched Damian Lillard for the second-most 30-point triple-doubles in franchise history, per ESPN Research.
Suns
After last season’s collapse, owner Mat Ishbia demanded a culture rooted in toughness, energy and joy. Through a 10-6 start, Phoenix is moving in that direction. The Suns have beaten only two teams above .500, yet scouts have praised first-year head coach Jordan Ott and a revamped roster built around Devin Booker, who is again performing at an All-NBA level.
Better perimeter defense, added shooting and a more defined rotation have kept Phoenix on track in a Western Conference with a softer lower half. “They’ve been way better than I thought,” another West scout said. “They’ve got enough pieces around Devin where they’ll win the games they should win. Ott has them playing the right way and competing.”
Spurs
San Antonio opened the season wondering how Stephon Castle, No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and veteran guard De’Aaron Fox would mesh. Nearly a month later, all three have yet to appear together in a single game. Castle’s individual progress—17.3 points, 7.5 assists and 1.7 steals—was encouraging before a recent hip injury, but shooting remains a concern. The reigning Rookie of the Year is hitting less than 25 percent from three-point range and about 70 percent at the line.
Scouts continue to debate whether Fox, Harper and Castle can thrive without a consistent floor spacer among them.
Source: Hoops Wire
