NBA Notes: Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija, Thunder, Ajay Mitchell, Nuggets

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers held a players-only meeting after Friday’s 24-point loss in Houston, per Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.

It was their first truly lopsided defeat of the season, and the group wanted to get in front of it.

“Sometimes, we’ve got to talk with each other,” Deni Avdija said. “We’re like family here. And families have to say what’s on their mind.”

Thunder

The reigning champs and current league’s best team keep adding weapons.

Ajay Mitchell has broken out in Jalen Williams’ absence, averaging 16.9 points with 1.8 steals through 13 games, as relayed by Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman.

He’s taken over Williams’ role as the offensive engine whenever Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits and fits cleanly next to the reigning MVP late in games.

“I mean, he was breaking out last year before he got hurt,” Isaiah Hartenstein said. “We see it on a day-to-day basis, and (coach Mark Daigneault) has a system where if you show what you can do, he’ll let you ride.”

Mitchell was a 38th pick by Sam Presti and began on a two-way before converting to a standard deal in February.

With Williams due back soon, Mitchell could end up in both Sixth Man and Most Improved conversations.

“Whatever the team needs, I’m gonna do it,” he said.

Nuggets

For the record, Nuggets coach David Adelman isn’t thrilled with the NBA’s scheduling quirks.

Denver has twice played back-to-backs with less than 24 hours between tipoffs, including longer national TV broadcasts.

“If we’re talking about the betterment of the players… you have to give them time for their bodies to come back and be themselves,” Adelman said, per Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.