The national basketball media continues to take notice of Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija’s play. In his NBA First-Quarter Awards, The Ringer’s Michael Pina chose Avdija as the league’s Most Improved Player.

Now in his sixth year, Avdija is averaging career highs in points (25.8) and assists (6.1) to go along with 7.1 rebounds per game. He has emerged as the primary offensive weapon for the Blazers and is one of only four players in the NBA averaging more than 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The others (Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks) are all in the MVP conversation.

But beyond the statistical production, it’s Avdija’s relentless force driving to the basket that got the att

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