The Best Portland Trail Blazers Stories of 2025

The Portland Trail Blazers had a decent 2025 with a promising 2026 ahead. There were plenty of awesome Blazers stories in 2025, headlined by Deni Avdija‘s breakout and Shaedon Sharpe‘s rise.

The Best Portland Trail Blazers Stories of 2025

There have been many promising teams across the NBA. This includes the Portland Trail Blazers, who are not contenders but have tremendous potential.

There were horrible moments in 2025 for Portland, but it is better to look back on the great ones. As the 2025-26 season progresses, the Blazers will continue to have awesome stories, but here are some highlights from last year.

Avdija’s Breakout Has Led to a New Blazers Star

Deni Avdija has been a revelation for the Trail Blazers. In the first few months of the 2024-25 season, he was an underwhelming acquisition. That all changed in the first few months of 2025, particularly in March. He averaged 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in that month.

Some people might count out players’ statistics during March of every season. That did not happen to Avdija because that was the launching pad he needed. So far in the 2025-26 season, Avdija has been Portland’s best player.

He is averaging 25.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season. Those are All-Star numbers, and he will likely make the team in February. Avdija’s March was not a fluke, as he has proven he belongs as the Trail Blazers’ star player.

This is a massive coup for the Blazers because Avdija’s contract is one of the best in the league. He is signed through the 2027-28 season, which decreases in value until the final year. It is a superb move from the Blazers’ front office, as Avdija looks like a massive steal.

Sharpe’s Rise Proves He is a Top-Tier Talent

Over the past few seasons, the Blazers have been waiting for Shaedon Sharpe. While he is still not a sharpshooter from long range, he has massively improved across most areas.

After averaging 18.5 points per game last season, Sharpe is now scoring 22.1 points a night, which is a massive improvement. Of course, efficiency can be a problem, but he has gotten better as the 2025-26 season progressed.

Sharpe has also grown defensively, stepping up after recent struggles. He is playing with positive defenders like Toumani Camara and Sidy Cissoko, so he should only improve with them.

As Sharpe continues to rise as one of the Blazers’ biggest stars, he will be a mainstay in Portland. Thankfully for the fans, they won’t have to worry about him leaving soon because he signed a long-term extension in the summer.

Clingan Has Cemented His Franchise Center Spot

Deandre Ayton parted ways with the Blazers in the summer of 2025. That left Donovan Clingan as the starting center, and he has grabbed the opportunity. Nowadays, Clingan is one of the league’s most promising centers.

He is averaging a double-double of 10.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Clingan is one of the most dominant big men in the paint because he seemingly finds the ball every time. He is also a defensive beast, who can block almost any shot and hang with anyone physically.

Donovan Clingan appreciation post

Last 3 games:

15.3 PPG
12.3 REB
2.0 AST
76/60/50
86 TS% (💀) https://t.co/pVy9GX4gri

— taylor (@na7ural_) December 30, 2025

After Ayton left the Blazers, Clingan became the franchise center. They selected Yang Hansen in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Clingan is the starter. He improving as a rebounder and as an offensive player in his second NBA season.

You can see him regularly shooting three-pointers now, which is making at a 33.3% clip. He is unafraid, which is great for the long-term future. Clingan is a proven winner, so the Blazers are relying on him being a leader.