Adding a player like Ja Morant definitely sounded like a reason to celebrate in Portland. But Deni Avdija had a very practical question: where would that leave him? Coming off an All-Star season built around attacking with the ball, Avdija wanted to understand how he would fit next to Morant and Damian Lillard without losing what had made him successful.

According to The Athletic’s Jason Quick, Avdija called the new Blazers head coach, Micah Nori, on June 30, one day after the Morant trade.

“He was just like, ‘Micah … how is this going to work?’” Nori recalled.

Avdija explained that his concern came from trying to understand the basketball fit.

“I wasn’t thinking negatively,” Avdija said. “But having two dominant guards join the team who are All-Star caliber … it raises some questions.”

These questions are definitely reasonable. Avdija had established himself by initiating the offense and driving to the paint. Bringing in two highly accomplished guards could have pushed him toward just a supporting role, just as his own career was taking off.

Nori’s answer was to explain how the additional talent could make his opportunities better.

“I showed him how it would work,” Nori said. “And I explained to him: I promise you are going to be more efficient. You may not have as many touches early on, but I’ll get you in positions where it’s advantageous to you.:

The plan involved letting the Blazers’ guards attract defensive attention before moving the ball to Avdija. Instead of repeatedly attacking a fully organized defense, he could drive against closeouts and exploit openings on the opposite side.

“He just was aware of what my strengths are, and he wanted me to continue the progression I made last season,” Avdija said.

The early results definitely support Nori’s vision. The Blazers are 5-1, including victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. They rank fourth in offensive rating at 118.8, ninth in defensive rating at 108.8, and their net rating sits at plus-10.0.

Avdija leads the team with 23.8 points per game, compared to 24.2 last season. His shot attempts have barely changed, rising from 16.1 to 16.2 per game. The meaningful difference is efficiency. His field goal percentage has improved from 46.2% to 48.5%, while his turnovers have dropped from 3.8 to 2.2 per game.

He also had a brilliant game in the Blazers’ 118-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets, as he scored a season-high 28 points, including nine in the fourth quarter.

Lillard and Morant have reinforced the coach’s message rather than competing with Avdija for control.

“Coming in, I told him: ‘I want you to be the horse,'” Lillard said. “Ja said the same thing.”

That encouragement does matter. Star additions can leave an emerging player feeling left out, particularly when his development depends on his offensive responsibility. The Blazers have instead given Avdija a clear role in productive possessions.

Six games do not settle every question about their partnership, but the initial concern has definitely produced something useful: an honest conversation, a specific plan, and early evidence that sharing the ball can help him dominate.