Deni Avdija Sets Sights on Complete Two-Way Play for 2026/27 Season

Deni Avdija enters the 2026/27 NBA season with a clear goal: to become a more complete two-way player. Speaking during the Portland Trail Blazers training camp, the Israeli forward reflected on the heavy offensive burden he carried last year, his defensive ambitions, and how roster changes will benefit his game.

Overcoming Last Season's Challenges

Reflecting on the previous campaign, Avdija noted that offensive fatigue and a back injury hindered his defensive consistency.

"I definitely had a lot of offensive load last year, especially in the middle of the season, and the back injury also slowed me down a bit."

Despite these hurdles, Avdija emphasized his commitment to excelling on both ends of the floor without making excuses.

Focusing on Defense and Shooting

Head coach Mike Schmitz has expressed a desire to see Avdija elevate his defensive intensity. The forward agreed, stating that his next step is to lock in on every possession. Furthermore, addressing his shooting percentages from last season, Avdija explained that creating shots off the dribble under heavy fatigue impacted his efficiency.

• Improved catch-and-shoot opportunities

• Reduced isolation burden

• Enhanced defensive positioning

"I'm not afraid to shoot. I think I'm a good shooter, I have good mechanics, and I continue to work on my shot. I trust it."

Outlook for the New Season

With new playmakers on the Portland roster, Avdija expects to receive cleaner looks and transition into a more efficient offensive role, allowing him to channel more energy into lockdown defense.