The Detroit Pistons made the biggest turnaround of any team this season and illustrated how quickly things can change.
While that's tougher to do in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers might be a candidate to mimic Detroit next season.
For a few months now, the Blazers have looked more spry and confident. This is a direct result of several players flowing into their roles and getting the opportunity to explore their own game within those roles.
The best example of that? Deni Avdija.
A 6-foot-9 Israeli forward who came over from Washington last summer, Avdija has come on as of late after a slow to the season, when he averaged 11.4 points and was a sub-40% shooter from the field in his first 20 games.
In fact, Avdija didn't crack the 20-point barrier over his first 19 games.
Now, in April, Avdija is averaging 31.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Granted, he's only played three games this month, but the point is he is flashing what he's capable of doing.
With Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, not yet living up to expected franchise player status, Avdija has perhaps taken the mantle until further notice.
Since the turn of the calendar year, the 24-year-old is putting up 19.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, becoming one of the team's leading playmakers and shot-takers.
Avdija is playing with a far greater sense of freedom, probing defenses, snaking pick-and-rolls, displaying patience in the post and overall looking Luka Dončić-esque.
Most will rightfully wonder if Avdija's play is sustainable, and that's indeed the biggest question for Portland going into this summer.
Because in Avdija, the Blazers have a cheat code in the form of his contract.
When the Wizards extended him after his third season to $55 million over four years, no one realized just how big of a bargain that deal would be.
Not only is Avdija's annual compensation level low — but it even declines in value as the contract ages.
His last salaried year will sit at just $11.8 million, or an estimated 6.3% of the salary cap, and falls under $15 million next season, which brings ...
