Portland Trail Blazers introduce new forward Deni Avdija

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- On Monday, Deni Avdija made his first appearance in Portland as a Trail Blazer.

If you would have said that sentence to him a few weeks ago, he would’ve never believed it.

To say the 6-foot-9 Israeli forward wasn’t expecting to get traded when he did, may be an understatement.

“Well, I was sleeping. I was in Israel, it was 2 a.m., woke up, they let me know, Woj bomb thing,” said Avdija with a laugh. “I didn’t go back to sleep that night.”

Avdija’s sleeplessness certainly makes sense as the trade seemed to come out of nowhere for the 23-year-old.

“It was shocking. It took me time to embrace it, but now that I’m over it, I feel like I’m in a great spot, and I’m very happy,” said Avdija. “The value of the trade, I feel like, they gave up a lot to get me, and I feel like it’s an honor.”

The Blazers gave up Malcolm Brogdon, their 2024 14th pick, and a handful of other future picks for Avdija.

In return, they got a durable asset.

Staying healthy has plagued Portland the past few seasons. Avdija played and started in 75 out of a possible 82 games last year for the Washington Wizards.

“It’s really important for me,” said Avdija of being available. “I want to be there for the team in every game possible. Bring my competitiveness, bring my joy to the game. That’s my goal. Play as many games as possible. I did 82 one year, and I’m going to try to do it again.”

So, fans know they’ll get someone who wants to be out on the court, but what else are they getting in the player who averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds last year?

“Passionate. Definitely can see the passion for winning, for playing basketball. I’m always making the right play, trying to make the right play as much as I can,” said Avdija. “I’m very team friendly. My teammates, I want to do the best I can to make them be better on the court. Just hardnosed, just trying to come do his job and win games, that’s it.”