Deni Avdija continues to acclimate to life as a basketball player in Portland. After being introduced last week as the newest player for the Blazers, he arrived Sunday in Las Vegas to watch the team play a summer league game, and on the way he was interviewed on the team's official website. "I'm a late-developing player," Avdija said.
"When I arrived in the NBA, I focused mainly on the defensive side and the offensive development came later. Over time, I gained experience and my teammates and the coaches began to believe in me and trust me more - which allowed me to stand out. I hope it will be the same in Portland.
I experienced ups and downs during my time in the league, but in the last season I showed what I know." 1 View gallery Deni Avdija checks out his new uniform and locker ( Photo: Portland Trailblazers' X account ) He also added about himself: "I am a player who can help the team win. I can do whatever is needed.
" About his new coach, former player Chauncey Billups, he said: "I am very excited to play under him. He is an excellent coach and was a great player. I hope I can learn from him.
" On his new friends on the team: "I met some of them today. I think we'll have a fun team to watch. We're a young and good team, and I think that's all that's needed for good basketball.
" Avdija again referred to the announcement of the move from Washington to the Blazers, which caught him by surprise: "On the night of the draft, I went to bed and asked my father to wake me up if s.