After two challenging seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard has returned to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The star guard is now thriving alongside forward Deni Avdija, who has become a pivotal co-star during the team’s impressive 9-3 start to the 2026 season.
Lillard expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting that the forward’s style of play simplifies his own role on the court.
“Playing with him has probably been the most joyful for me out of any other player I’ve played with, as far as being a tandem,” Lillard said, according to the report by Tony Ray Harvey of Publicity Agents.
Lillard added that the trust between them is at an extremely high level, given that both players have the ability to dominate games and create opportunities for one another.
While Lillard is averaging 20.6 points per game, Avdija has emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 23.9 points per contest on 50.0% shooting from the field.
Avdija attributes their early success to strong chemistry and open communication on the floor.
“I feel like the communication with us is the key,” Avdija stated following a recent victory over the Sacramento Kings.
He noted that the team is capable of making adjustments on the fly, which has helped them maintain a competitive edge in the Western Conference.
The current roster, which includes contributors like Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday, is being viewed as a legitimate title threat, a significant shift for the franchise.
This resurgence follows Lillard’s earlier, unsuccessful stint in Milwaukee, which he discussed alongside his return to the Trail Blazers.
Although it remains to be seen if this performance is sustainable, the team is currently demonstrating the cohesion necessary to compete at the highest level.
The chemistry between Lillard and Avdija stands out as a defining feature of this new era for Portland basketball.