Houston Sports Today

Houston Sports News Continuously Updated

Deni Avdija Reacts To Criticism Of Trail Blazers’ Foul-Baiting

by

The Portland Trail Blazers have been superb with seven wins out of their last eight games. Unfortunately for them, the conversations about their recent surge have been focused on foul-baiting. Blazers forward Deni Avdija‘s offense is under the spotlight in particular, especially after Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason‘s comments about guarding him went viral this week.

Deni Avdija Reacts To Criticism Of Trail Blazers’ Foul-Baiting

On Wednesday, Avdija had 15 trips to the free-throw line during Portland’s victory over Houston. This prompted Eason to say that “zebras,” in other words the referees, were the reason behind Avdija’s 41-point night. After the Blazers beat the Rockets in back-to-back games, Avdija decided to address Eason’s accusation.

 

“It made me laugh, for real,” Avdija told reporters. “Honestly, let’s address it. I drive the most in the league, I’m very physical, and I don’t shy away from contact. I’m going downhill. I don’t care who’s in front of me, I’m going straight through him. I don’t play for those fouls, but I’m going to get fouled. It’s part of the game.”

Deni Avdija’s Aggression Is Leading To His Free-Throw Attempts

In the 2025-26 season, the Blazers have found a new star in Avdija. He was always a promising player, dating back to his Washington Wizards days. However, the Wizards struggled to maximize his talent and potential. Now that he’s with the Blazers, he’s delivered on his potential and is now in the midst of a likely first-time All-Star nod.

Though 39 games, he’s averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per contest for a Blazers team on the rise. However, as previously mentioned, the frequency of his free-throw attempts (9.9 per game) is getting negative attention. This has led to accusations about Portland’s foul-baiting being a strategy they use to win games.

Yet, ever since entering the league in 2020, Avdija has been a physical player. He’s at his best in transition, as he has a natural knack for creating contact and finishing despite it. That aspect of his offense has received a huge boost in his time with the Trail Blazers due to his aggressive mindset.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander –the reigning NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP –has also received flak for his frequent trips to the free-throw line. Keeping that in mind, Avdija isn’t exactly being singled out. Nonetheless, both Gilgeous-Alexander and Avdija are being miscast as foul-baiters. They’re both just excellent drivers who excel at drawing contact.

Avdija’s Offense Naturally Leads to Free Throws

This season, the Blazers have been extremely reliant on Avdija, and not just as a scorer. In the first 12 games of the season, Portland had Jrue Holiday serving as the point guard. However, the 35-year-old has sat out since mid-November because of a calf injury. Since Scoot Henderson and Blake Wesley were also out with injuries, there were no natural point guards available on the roster.

Trail Blazers acting head coach Tiago Splitter then pivoted to utilizing Avdija as the primary ball-handler. It’s paid off precisely because of his assertiveness.

In October, Avdija was averaging 17.3 drive attempts per game. In November, that number moved up to 20.1 drives per game. The next month, Avdija was averaging 22.1 drive attempts per game. This month, he’s averaging 21.8 drives per game.

On the whole, Avdija is averaging 20.6 drivers per game this season, +2.5 more drives per game than Gilgeous-Alexander.

Could Tari Eason’s Change How The Blazers Are Reffed?

Moving forward, a lot of people will be closely observing Avdija’s performances. Eason’s comments will be key, just like how Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch’s recent outburst at a referee led to people watching the Thunder more closely.

Likely, Avdija will continue playing the way that he has been. He wants to keep attacking the basket to score or kick out to an open teammate. Indeed, the Blazers’ offense relies on him being the difference-maker. If referees switch up their officiating style though, the Blazers still have a lot of options. Notably, 22-year-old wing Shaedon Sharpe has broken out as a 20+ points per game scorer this season and is ready to take over when needed.

© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images