Portland Faces Early Setback as Scoot Henderson Sidelined — Could Deni Avdija Step In?
The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a tough start to the season with young guard Scoot Henderson expected to be out for between one and two months. According to multiple American media outlets, the injury will significantly thin Portland’s backcourt rotation just as the season tips off.
Veteran guard Jrue Holiday is expected to take on primary ball-handling duties, but reports suggest that Deni Avdija could also be asked to step into a more central playmaking role in response to the team’s depleted depth chart.
The Israeli forward was recently featured in a profile by Oregon Live, which praised his rapid development and growing importance to the Blazers’ rebuild.
“His first season at the club was better than anyone could imagine. He flourished and became one of the club’s pillars. He quickly became one of the most exciting cornerstones of the Blazers’ rebuilding. He is much closer to the All-Star border than many expected.”
Avdija, known primarily for his versatility and defensive prowess, may now have an opportunity to showcase his ball-handling and playmaking skills under pressure. While it’s not an ideal situation for the Blazers, it may be a unique growth opportunity for the 23-year-old forward.
With Henderson out and uncertainty swirling around the rotation, Avdija’s potential role shift could become one of the early stories to watch in Portland’s season.