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Deni Avdija is among the finalists for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, alongside Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, the league announced.
Compared to last season, Avdija's scoring average has surged from 16.9 to 24.2 points per game, all while maintaining similar shooting percentages from the field. The forward has become the focal point of Portland's offense and their primary playmaker, leading the Blazers to their first playoff berth in five years.
Throughout the season, Avdija also averaged 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, earning his first All-Star selection.
It's clear Avdija faces stiff competition for the award. Alexander-Walker boasts the largest increase in scoring average of any NBA player, jumping from 9.4 points per game to 20.8, with nearly 40% shooting from beyond the arc.
Like Avdija, Duren also played well enough to earn an All-Star nod, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in just 28 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, Portland suffered a defeat to San Antonio in the opening game of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series.
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