is a full-on organizational blueprint, and Deni Avdija is the

centerpiece of it. Since Tiago Splitter stepped in as interim head

coach, he didn’t just tweak the offense… he rebuilt the entire system.

And Avdija has responded with a true franchise-cornerstone breakout

season.

Avdija is putting up All-Star production across the board: 26 points, 6

rebounds, nearly 5 assists per game on elite efficiency (49% FG, 38%

3PT, 85% FT) with a massive 27.8% Usage Rate. Portland gave him the

keys, and he’s driving the whole offense. Splitter’s system —

“Simplicity Drives Speed” — leans on pace, space, defensive pressure,

and European-style cutting actions that let Avdija play fast without

overthinking. He’s thriving as a 6’9” jumbo creator, getting downhill,

drawing 8.3 free throws a game, and torching mismatches with improved

pace control and passing vision.

The on/off numbers prove his impact: Portland’s offense collapses when

he sits. He’s become the fulcrum of everything Splitter runs.

The roster around him fits the blueprint perfectly. Donovan Clingan

anchors the paint with elite rim protection and screen-setting. Toumani

Camara provides switchable defense and connective play. Jrue Holiday

gives veteran stability and high-IQ playmaking while Scoot Henderson

works his way back. And Jerami Grant embracing a Sixth-Man role adds an

essential 18 PPG scoring punch off the bench. It’s a lineup built to

run, defend, and elevate Avdija’s strengths.

But the Blazers’ long-term ceiling still depends on fixing two major

issues: they rank 26th in three-point percentage and 29th in turnovers.

Without consistent shooting, defenses collapse on Avdija and Clingan,

clogging the paint. That’s where Shaedon Sharpe becomes the X-factor —

if he and Portland’s wings knock down shots consistently, this offense

reaches another level.

The outlook? Portland has its star and its system. The next step is

surrounding Avdija with more shooters and helping Scoot Henderson grow

into a reliable secondary creator. If they nail that, this breakout

season becomes the foundation of a real contender — not just a feel-good

turnaround.

#hoopshype #cyroasseo #portlandtrailblazers #blazers #deniavdija #tiagosplitter #donovanclingan #jrueholiday #jeramigrant #shaedonsharpe #nba #nba2025 #blazersnews #nbaanalysis #portlandbasketball

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I own none of the footage in the video, it is intended for the purposes of critique and education.