He's been very awesome to watch lately. I'd still undo that trade if I could as giving up two lottery picks for a role player was a big mistake. But if I just ignore that as a sunk cost (probably better for my sanity and fandom to do going forward) and watch his game he has been as enjoyable to watch and root for as any Blazer since Josh Hart. Love how he pushes the ball, passes often, and plays D.
They have up 1 late lotto pick and a pick we don't know where it will be and is someone who is like in the 8th grade now. In 2030, chances are the pick they gave up won't be a lotto pick
I don’t agree only because Deni is a highly dynamic rare guy. I can’t think of many “non superstars” that offer the all around contributions on offense and defense that are typically high impact as well. A great player on a great contract was gonna cost something. Completely unknown picks… meh. If he’s merely a “role player” he’s top notch af
I think Deni brings a lot of what Amen could have brought to the Blazers. They are different players but their strengths and weaknesses are pretty similar and their standout skills are big forwards who can handle and distribute the ball.
He had a great first quarter against the Clippers before he tweaked his ankle or knee or whatever. Watching him play, it's not just effort and an ability to command that I like, it's also that Sharpe and him have potential for good chemistry. They seem to think similarly and are able to find each other very well. No offense to Banton or Grant (Simons and Ayton too) but they don't think very much and it sort of ruins the natural chemistry that this team demonstrates at times. Not that they would be bad to have on a contender so much as they're not worth fully investing in if you're not finished with the rebuild. And so, the more Portland can find talented players that demonstrate good IQ and can play within a system, the more likely Portland can build a title contender. Clingan and Camara work here, too, but you need more offense.
Whew, Deni has been on fire lately. Getting a player like him at that salary is a big time bargain, and a coup for Cronin. I'd be interested to see him play PG. He definitely could. Imagine the size and defensive lineups. Then add in a player like Flagg, Bailey, or Demin.... Demin and Deni! We could have the longest lineup in NBA history.
Well good thing we only invested $160 million in Grant plus Ayton is on a max contract. Cronin needed to dump Norman Powell for nothing so he could wisely use salary space on those types of players.
His shot is coming around. What a terrific pickup and amazing contract. Now stop benching him. He's a major piece of the rebuild.
Don't you understand? We HAVE to spot the other team a lead before Deni comes on - it'd be unfair otherwise
Yeah I really love Deni at just about every position 1-5 at least for stretches of the game. He is just a great player to have moving forward. I could see him starting anywhere 1-4 or being a sixth man of the year type if a ton of guys (including some from this upcoming draft) pop.
Got to hand it to Deni he has been awesome the last month or so - ever since he went to the bench. He had a horrible start to the season which was super concerning - but since is one of the few very bright spots for this team. Oct 10.0ppg 11.1%3pt Nov 11.9ppg 37.3%3pt Dec 15.7ppg 51.7%3pt Season totals 12.5ppg 36.8%3pt I always maintained if he could hit 3's the trade had a chance to turn out good. Looked beyond bleak at the start of the year but I've been super encouraged by what I've seen from Deni lately. The rest of his game is so enjoyable to watch, he pushes the pace like Josh Hart but with better shooting, has defense that at times is right there with Camara but he has way more use on offense. Can initiate offense like Grant when he needs to but rebounds like a center instead of a PG. He's might be what we always had hoped Batum could become if he was more aggressive. On the one hand Deni might have a chance at being the best player on this Blazers roster - which is both super exciting and also somewhat concerning.
I guess Billups could say Avdija plays better with 25 minutes compared to Grant's 35 minutes?? It makes no sense. How is it that Avdija only played 21 minutes last night?
