Deni Avdija

The Original Article is Published at JNS.org

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija scored a game best and career high 43 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Israel’s Deni Avdija isn’t letting his Washington Wizard’s abysmal (9 wins, 45 losses) record get in the way of his own personal record-breaking season. The 23-year-old small forward was the Wizards’ 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 draft and has spent his career to date with the team. The Kibbutz Beit Zera native and former Maccabi Tel Aviv player is beloved by the Washington Jewish and general community. Their love continues to grow as Avdija’s minutes and stats improve almost daily. 

On Feb. 14 in the team’s 133-126 road loss to fellow 23-year-old star Zion Willamson and his New Orleans Pelicans, Avdija scored a game best and career high 43 points. He was 13 for 24 on field goals and 6 for 10 on three-pointers (a career high) in his 40 minutes of playing time. In addition, he pulled down 15 rebounds, had three assists and one block as he achieved his eighth double-double of the season.

Avdija’s 43 points are the most for a Wizard player this season, and he became the first Wizard to score 40-plus points and 15-plus rebounds in a game since Moses Malone accomplished that feat on Jan. 12, 1987.

The NBA.com commentators praised Avdija throughout the game, calling one of his drives to the basket “the drive of the game.”

“He was taking the right shots that the offense gave him. We put the ball in his hands and he was attacking. But then when he was open from three, he let it go. He just read the game well. And we put him in positions to take advantage of his quickness and his athleticism to the rim and he shot when he was open. It was really a team effort tonight,” recounted interim head coach Brian Keefe in a post-game press conference.  

Avdija patiently answered many questions from the media post-game.  Asked what has changed for him during his very successful month of February, he thought carefully and replied, “Nothing has really changed, I’m just more confident, I’m working hard, I’m more patient.” He continued: “It’s been a long four years for me, with ups and downs. I’m sure I’m still gonna have some downs like every other basketball player. But seeing my growth and my teammates here with me with, all this process has been great. Without them and their push, I couldn’t have this good of a stretch.” 

It has been a good week for Avdija, who continues to shine even as the team keeps losing. He scored 21 points and had 13 rebounds and 39 minutes of playing in the team’s 119-113 loss to the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers on Feb. 10, and scored 25 points and 7 rebounds in 34 minutes of court time as the Wizards lost to the Dallas Mavericks 112-104.

Following the game against the 76ers, Keefe praised Avdija’s performance. “He has shown some tremendous growth, even in the last six to eight games. He had a big game on the board, guarding multiple guys, his play making, his attacking, he is showing growth. I’m trusting him to make decisions with the ball and attack the rim. But what I like is his rebounding. He has been hot these last few games and that is what I need from him,” he said.

Avdija’s impressive statistics include scoring more than 20 points in a career best 10 games, including four straight for the first time in his career. He has also scored in double figures in 36 games this seasons, including in 21 of his last 25 outings

Avdija feels that the key to his success this season has been “sticking with it. I know my spots now, I am confident on my shots. I worked hard this summer and I’m in a good mood.” Avdija is also pleased with the support the Wizards have shown him since arriving in the NBA.  “Obviously the franchise believed in me and signed me for another four years. I’m just playing to compete, to win, to not overthink too much.” Avdija, who signed a 4-year contract worth over $20 million, will reportedly earn a base salary over $6 million this year.

When asked about his age, Avdija playfully replied, “23 is young in life but in this game, you grow up fast. Four years in this league really matures you. I’m still young and excited and have a lot to grow and a lot to work on. I’m not stopping here!”

The Wizards resume play on Feb. 22 at the Denver Nuggets following the Feb. 18 NBA All Star Game in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Original Article Published On The JNS

Deni Avdija, the 22-year-old small forward selected with the 9th pick in the 2020 NBA draft, continues to improve.

Deni Avdija, an Israeli-born small forward who plays for the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards, was not even born the last time the Wizards defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the latter team’s home arena on Dec. 11, 1999.

The 22-year-old played a major role in the Wizards’ 127-106 victory on Monday in San Antonio. Avdija, the 9th-overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, scored a career-high 25 points on 10-for-12 shooting. He also pulled down nine rebounds, to go with an assist, a block and a steal. Eight of his 10 field goals came in the paint, and he shot 3-for-4 from the foul line and 2-for-2 from three-point range.

Avdija combined persistence, precision and deft maneuvering over and around defenders. His complete performance employed traditional layups, finger rolls, floaters and dunks, as he aggressively pursued the basket.

Wes Unseld Jr., the Wizards’ head coach, has liked what he has seen of late from the Israeli hoopster.

“His level of aggression has paid dividends. He is getting to the rim, finishing at a much better clip and going to the free throw line,” he said. “It is allowing him to get some easy points at times. He is figuring it out.”

Monday’s contest marked Avdija’s fourth 20-plus point game in his career, and his second 20-plus point game this season. He has logged at least 10 points and five rebounds in four consecutive games—tied for the longest such streak of his career.

The Wizards, now owners of a season-best six-game winning streak (including five in a row on the road), are achieving a degree of success they have not experienced since Feb. 10 to March 9, 2018.

“The wins have been good for our psyche,” the coach said. “It has given us confidence.”

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Original Article Published on The JNS

The forward led the national team in points, rebounds and assists at the EuroBasket tournament.

Listening to Deni Avdija answer questions at Washington Wizards Media Day last week provided a reminder of just how much the likable 21-year-old Israeli forward has accomplished—and endured—in his two seasons in the NBA. And he has a lot to look forward to. 

The only Israeli in the NBA is about to kick off season 3 with the Wizards, but first he has to get through a tough four-day training camp, fly to Japan for two preseason games against the Golden State Warriors, overcome a groin injury, and play two additional preseason games on the road—all before the regular season kicks off on Oct. 19. 

Welcome to the life of a young NBA player who also found time to play for the Israel national team this summer, hit the beach, and maintain his good sense of humor. 

“The off-season was great. I had time to work on my game and body,” said Avdija, referring to his experience playing in the EuroBasket 2022 tournament while also visiting with family and friends at the beach. 

“I got lots of experience in the off-season and I enjoyed the experience playing on the national team. We all enjoyed it,” he said while admitting, “I thought we’d advance higher. Unfortunately, we came up short.” 

Israel won two close games against Finland and the Netherlands but lost to Poland, Serbia and the Czech Republic. 

Avdija got off to a slow start as he tested positive for COVID-19 and wasn’t able to fly with his team to Georgia for three exhibition games before the tournament. Yet the 6’9” (2.06 meter) tall small forward still managed to lead Israel in points, rebounds and assists at EuroBasket. 

Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard said he is fond of international basketball. 

“I think FIBA competition simulates as much stress and pressure as you can put on a player outside the NBA playoffs. We want all of our players to compete for their countries,” he said. 

After seeing Avdija play in Prague, Sheppard said the leadership experience provided him with more confidence than the Wizards have seen from him yet. 

“It was nice to see Tommy come and show his support,” Avdija added. 

Avdija had a great summer in Israel with family and friends. “I was chilling, drinking some good wine, enjoying the sun,” he playfully told the media. “You don’t need more than that!” 

He then offered, “I trained on the beach too.” Avdija explained that he devoted time this summer to gaining confidence in his shot, and to “playing more physical.”

At the media session, Avdija reflected on his expectations of himself. “I want to improve my shots, the pick and roll, creating for others, being more confident and knowing where to be on the court.” 

Avdija said he is excited to play with new and returning Wizards teammates. “I feel like these are great guys and the chemistry can be great.”

Sheppard noted that 14 of the 16 rostered players worked out together in Los Angeles this summer. The only two who didn’t join the squad were Avdija and Kristaps Porzingis, who were playing for their national teams—Israel and Latvia, respectively. 

Avdija and the Wizards will soon be off to Japan for the two exhibition games, the NBA Japan Games 2022, at Saitama Super Arena outside Tokyo on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. 

It will mark the Wizards’ first trip to Japan and the league’s 15th and 16th games in the country.

“We are so honored to represent the NBA and the wonderful game of basketball in front of an audience of Japanese fans,” said Ted Leonsis, founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards as well as the NHL‘s Washington Capitals.

“We are particularly excited to watch [Wizards forward] Rui Hachimura play in front of his fellow Japanese citizens,” Leonsis said. 

Hachimura said he was excited to bring Wizards basketball to Japan.

“I cannot wait to see the arena filled with fans getting to see NBA basketball in person,” he said. 

Avdija is clearly excited about the team’s trip to Japan. He recently posted a playful video asking teammates, “Which Wizards player would you want to sit next to on the flight to Japan?” 

It is unclear whether he will actually play in these games as he is nursing the groin injury he suffered during last month’s EuroBasket tournament. “I am still dealing with a little bit of [groin] discomfort,” he reported at Media Day.

But Avdija, who made a complete recovery following a fractured right ankle suffered in a game in April 2021, is confident that he will be playing soon. “The doctor and the trainers will do their best to get me healthy and on the court ASAP. I trust them!” he said.

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“He is the pride of the Jewish people. We always come out to support Deni,” says Matisyahu Zamir, a student at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach.

Original Article Published in the JNS

The Zamir family came to Madison Square Garden from Woodmere, N.Y., hoping to see their beloved Deni Avdija and the Washington Wizards play against the New York Knicks. Elad Levi and his son came all the way from Tel Aviv — part of a 24-person tour group hoping to see their fellow countryman Avdija, the only Israeli in the NBA, play in several games.

Yet their luck was running out after the Washington Wizards’ game against the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 21 was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak within the Nets’ roster. They came with their signs and Israeli flags and jerseys, and prayed the Wizards’ Dec. 23 game versus the Knicks would go on.

Four hours before tipoff, Wizards star Bradley Beal entered the league’s health and safety protocols. It is unclear whether he had received a positive test result or whether it was a matter of contract tracing. He joined fellow starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was already in the protocols.

Ultimately, the Zamir and Levi families fished got their wish. But just barely. Avdija scored in double digits for the fourth game in a row, with 14 points, as well as five rebounds and a career-high three blocks. It was his fifth multi-block game this season. The Wizards defeated the Knicks, 124-117.

“I like that [Avdija] is a really good shooter and his defense is pretty amazing too,” reports Matisyahu Zamir, a student at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach in Woodmere. “He is the pride of the Jewish people. We always come out to support Deni.”

The Zamirs, all clad in custom-made red number 9 Avdija jerseys, enjoyed their view from the first row, close to center court. Like other Jewish and Israeli fans, they enjoy following 20-year-old Avdija’s continued growth in his second year in the NBA. Very few fans saw Avdija play in person last season.  He made his first appearance at the Knicks’ home of Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2021, and scored 14 points before fouling out in a Wizards loss. Due to COVID-19 rules at the time, the arena was at 10% capacity. One month later, on April 21, 2021, Avdija suffered a season-ending right fibular hairline fracture, followed by a long period of rehabilitation.

This season, Avdija is thriving on and off the court, though he could do without the day-to-day uncertainty of the pandemic. “To be in question is a bummer,” he says. “It is not fun, but we have to keep being safe. We have to just keep working ourselves.”

Avdija worked hard to return this season and he feels it is paying off. “I see progress every day and hope I will maximize my potential until I retire,” he says. “I learn new things every day and get better every day as I become a more complete player.” For instance, Avdija describes that he is “more mature” and “knows what spots to shoot from,” and is learning to “trust my shot and not think too much.”

Wizards Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. likes what he sees and has been giving Avdija more playing time. “He has progressed well,” he says. “We are putting him in different situations. I am learning to trust him more. His teammates are learning to trust him more. He is stepping up and making big plays —facilitating, scoring, and we have seen the defensive side of it. So, I think he is starting to put together a nice run here. If he can play this way night in and night out, this is going to be great for us.”

Unseld also admires Avdija’s energy and attitude. “His energy is always good. He is a very positive guy, doing things for his teammates,” he says.

Despite the many precautions in place due to COVID-19, Advija has had some opportunities to get to know the local Washington, D.C., Jewish community — and he enjoys speaking with Israeli media. Avdija recently lit Hanukkah candles, signed autographs and answered questions from fans at the Rockville Town Center in Montgomery County, Md., 20 miles north of the team’s Capital One Arena.

When asked what was his best moment of the year, Advija enthusiastically reports that it was being back in Israel for the first time and seeing friends, family and all of the support he has been receiving.

And Avdija’s New Year’s resolution? “That by the end of 2022 I will be better than I was at the end of 2021. That’s all I’m asking for. Just to be a better person, learn more, know more, and be a better player and to be healthy. That’s really important.”

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