General manager Joe Cronin had a clear vision when rebuilding the Portland Trail Blazers roster. He wanted to establish a defensive identity and construct a team that has an advantage on a nightly basis with their length and athleticism.
After a few rebuilding seasons that felt like an eternity for Blazers fans accustomed to their team reaching the postseason, that vision has finally come to fruition. It came in an unconventional way, however, as Portland's primary building blocks came not via draft but via trade, particularly when they acquired Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards.
Deni Avdija's star ascension is bringing Joe Cronin's vision to fruition
In exchange, Portland sent veteran Malcolm Brogdon, Bub Carrington (No.