NBA News: 'Sweet Kid' Deni Avdija Has Been Big Revelation Defensively For Wizards

KEY POINTS

Avdija’s flexibility on both ends of the court is doing wonders for the Wizards
Avdija’s defensive skills have surprised his coach
The Israeli could develop into an effective 3-and-D player

The Washington Wizards continue to surprise pundits with their success during the ongoing NBA regular season due to a lot of factors.

One reason seen for that is the contributions made by some players, particularly Deni Avdija.

The 20-year-old was originally selected by the Wizards as the ninth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

However, it was not until this season that the Israeli truly showed what he could do.

Initially, most saw Avdija as another offensive option. But surprisingly this season, he has been making a name for himself on the defensive end.

No less than Wizards’ coach Wes Unseld Jr. admitted that he was unaware of the defensive prowess of Avdija.

But for him, the important thing is that that former Maccabi Tel Aviv cager has stepped up and is showing he can guard practically anyone for the Wizards, the Washington Post reported.

“Part of it is maybe he had it and I just didn’t know about it,” Unseld stated. “But he’s stepped up to the challenge and has been able to guard, keep matchups for us. His size and physicality, his ability to move his feet—it’s good to see because I’m not going to say that I knew he could do it."

Avdija’s efforts have provided the Wizards an unexpected lift, a reason why they are now leading the Eastern Conference with a 10-3 win-loss card.

For Avdija, it is simply just about helping the team get wins.

“For me, it’s like, it’s really a dream come true. Helping the team to win and being there for my guys, it’s the greatest gift that I can get. For real,” Avdija said in the same report.

One person who is hardly surprised is fellow Israel national Tamir Goodman.

"The Jewish Jordan” gave some ironically interesting tidbits about Avdija on the Sports for All PH podcast hosted by Filipino journalists Vincent Juico and Brian Yalung.

“Deni, we are proud of him. I think he is an incredible shooter. I think he has amazing strides. He gets up and down the floor really well. Defensively, he can block shots in the paint, switch on the pick-and-roll. He is just so valuable,” Goodman shared.

“[He has a] good body, tall, long, fast.. hopefully, he will have a great season this year."