Established, Deni Avdija is a source of balance for the Wizards

His first game of the season was a false start, as he only played 7 minutes due to a small ankle scare in the first quarter, but Deni Avdija knows what is expected of him at the Wizards this season.

” This is the dynamic we are looking for with this decision [de titulariser Avdija à l’aile] : add defense in our major five said Wes Unseld Jr. about it.

At the time of the in-between on the floor of the Pacers, the Israeli winger was indeed alongside Monte Morris, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis in the five major. An attacking quartet, which Deni Avdija complements with his defensive qualities. Which is not, however, at the outset, its first quality.

” I think it’s a good thing to have Deni with us to start the matches because he can really defend. It’s his personal pride » yet assures Kyle Kuzma. ” He gives his all, and always wants to deal with the best opposing attacker, or at least the best ball carrier. And that takes pressure off the shoulders of Brad and Monte, who don’t have to wear themselves out on defense. »

A thankless role

Its presence in the major five is therefore above all a logic of balance between attack and defense, and that tends to minimize its importance in the offensive phases.

For now, he accepts this reality, for the good of his team. ” I think I will be asked to be, if necessary, a secondary ball carrier, who can create some shifts and put some open shots. That is just about everything. I hope I could evolve, but for now I’m comfortable with this role. »

More broadly, his tenure also improves the balance of power off the bench, since Delon Wright and Daniel Gafford will ensure a certain defensive volume, while Will Barton and Corey Kispert, when the latter returns from injury, will bring “scoring” and “ spacing”.