Avdija turned the corner from useful role player to No. 1 option in 2025-26, earning his first All-Star selection while posting career highs of 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists over 66 games. It was a natural extension of the momentum he built late in 2024-25, and this time he did it as Portland's undisputed offensive centerpiece. He punished defenses off the dribble, lived at the free-throw line (trailing only Doncic in attempts during stretches), and flashed elite playmaking, piling up multiple 30-point triple-doubles. The one persistent drag was health, as a recurring lower-back issue cost him roughly 16 games and produced uneven stretches, particularly around the All-Star break. Still, he closed strong, dropped 41 in the Play-In win over Phoenix, and was the lone consistent Blazer in a first-round loss to Wembanyama's Spurs. Avdija should remain a large part of the offense this season, but things are a bit more murky with the addition of Ja Morant and the availability of Damian Lillard. That's a dramatic influx of ball-handling and usage. Avdija remains a mid-to-early-round asset with three-category upside, but the crowded rotation likely caps his ceiling rather than raising it.