Deni Avdija Ranked Seventh Among NBA Small Forwards by HoopsHype
Deni Avdija has been ranked seventh among NBA small forwards by HoopsHype ahead of the 2026/27 season, following his standout All-Star campaign with Portland.
Deni Avdija Ranked Seventh Among NBA Small Forwards
Ahead of the 2026/27 NBA season, the prominent basketball portal HoopsHype has published its ranking of the 27 best small forwards in the league, with Israel's Deni Avdija securing a prestigious seventh place. The Portland Trail Blazers star was ranked ahead of notable names such as Franz Wagner, Brandon Ingram, Brandon Miller, Mikal Bridges, and Jimmy Butler.
Ahead of Avdija in the rankings are Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Williams, Jaylen Brown, Cooper Flagg, and Jayson Tatum at the top. According to HoopsHype, Avdija's breakout 2025/26 season was the catalyst for his high placement.
"After showing signs of progress in the previous two seasons, Deni Avdija simply exploded in the 2025/26 campaign, earning his first career All-Star selection and posting an impressive stat line of 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game," HoopsHype wrote.
Elite Company and Value Contract
Avdija was one of only three players in the entire league to average those numbers last season, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, placing the Portland forward in rare company. Analysts point to his exceptional first step and ability to finish efficiently around the rim as major factors in his success.
Experts also note that if his three-point shooting percentages return to his career norms of 36.9%, Avdija will make the Trail Blazers a dangerous team in the Western Conference. This is especially true given the return of Damian Lillard and the summer acquisition of Ja Morant.
Earning slightly over $13 million this upcoming season, Avdija's contract is considered one of the most team-friendly and valuable bargains in the entire NBA for the 2026/27 campaign.
