Deni Avdija's journey from Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth academy to the NBA has taken another leap forward — and through the first week of the 2026-27 season, the Portland Trail Blazers are very glad it did.
The 25-year-old small forward turned in back-to-back standout performances to open the year, helping Portland sprint out of the gate with a perfect 2-0 record.
Game 1 vs. Phoenix Suns (Oct. 22) — Trail Blazers 124, Suns 83
Avdija's season debut carried some pre-game drama. He appeared on the injury report ahead of Portland's opener, raising concern about whether he'd suit up at all. He did — and made it count. In just 23 minutes, Avdija posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals, finishing a remarkable +25 in a dominant blowout at the Moda Center. The result also served as the coming-out party for Portland's headline-grabbing new backcourt: Damian Lillard, who led all scorers with 25 points, and Ja Morant — making his Blazers debut — chipped in 14 points off a surprise starting assignment. Avdija, slotting into the starting five alongside that duo, looked right at home.
Game 2 vs. Sacramento Kings (Oct. 24) — Trail Blazers 128, Kings 120
If the Suns game raised eyebrows, the Kings game put the league on notice. Avdija erupted for 26 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds across 39 minutes, finishing +12 in a hard-fought road win. He shared the offensive load with Toumani Camara as Portland survived a Sacramento scare to stay unbeaten. The performance was a statement: Avdija isn't just a complementary piece on a star-studded Blazers roster — he's a genuine co-engine.
The Bigger Picture
Avdija was already generating buzz in the offseason, with Portland insiders highlighting his buy-in and enthusiasm heading into the new campaign. Now the action is backing the words up. In two games, he's averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals — numbers that underscore his evolution into one of the more complete forwards in the Western Conference.
For Maccabi Tel Aviv U18 alumni trackers, this is the version of Avdija that the program always projected: an elite two-way wing with the size, instincts, and motor to impose himself on any game. The Blazers, coming off a 42-40 season, have legitimate early-season momentum — and their Maccabi-bred forward is a major reason why.
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