Paul Pierce Admits Not Knowing Deni Avdija’s Name Before the NBA Season

NBA legend Paul Pierce only knew of Deni Avdija’s name during this season. According to the one-time NBA champion, he was not familiar with Avdija until he became an All-Star this year.

This came following Avdija’s 41-point explosion that lifted the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA playoffs against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in the Western Conference’s first play-in tournament game this season. 

“I didn’t know this guy’s name until about a week before the All-Star, then I was like alright, he’s an All-Star, who’s this kid?” Pierce said in the No Fouls Given show. “I know his name now. You’ve got to earn your name in this league.”

Pierce added that Avdija made sure his name is now known across the league after his performance against the Suns, which saw him drain crucial baskets late en route to a playoffs spot. 

“I don’t care if you have a couple of good games. Like, show me something…I didn’t think Portland had anybody that’s All-Star-worthy coming into the season,” he said. “I checked this game, and I’m like, alright, okay. Deni Avdija is a threat in this league. He is a true threat.”

Avdija also shot 15-of-22 from the field throughout the play-in game on top of 12 rebounds and seven assists. 

Avdija had his first All-Star appearance this season, following lackluster performances with the Washington Wizards in his first few years in the league.

Now, the Blazers will next face the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs, led by MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Avdija’s first-ever in his career. 

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Blazers Veteran and Former Two-Time NBA Champion Praises Deni Avdija

Jrue Holiday, a two-time NBA champion and a key stabilizing piece for the Trail Blazers against the Suns, praised Avdija for his heroics in the play-in game. 

According to Holiday, Avdija has emerged as a real star in his role with the Blazers. From hereon, Holiday believes this is the standard people would expect from Avdija. 

“I feel like he’s unique. Nobody does what he does,” he said. “Deni coming out here, carrying us, especially down the stretch, getting that winning bucket and being able to go home knowing we’re playing San Antonio is something you love to see in Deni.”

“This is what we expect from him now,” Holiday added. 

Avdija has been the leading scorer of the Blazers this season, putting up 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. 

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Avdija Calls Play-In Win the “Best Thing” in his Career

Deni Avdija looked unstoppable in the Blazers’ play-in win against the Suns. For him, it was a game that created the best moment of his career. 

“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career so far,” the 25-year-old guard said after the game. 

Avdija was picked ninth by the Washington Wizards in the 2020 draft, but had to play through a lesser role throughout his four seasons with the team. 

Avdija is now seen as a foundational piece for the Blazers, which still has injured veteran Damian Lillard on its roster after he signed with the team last year. 

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