With 34 wins and 42 losses, the Wizards are currently 11th in the East, two games from 10th place, qualifying for the play-in. If there is still a slim hope of snagging this last spot for Wes Unseld Jr’s men, it would require a near faultless performance for Washington. But, despite a new collectively complicated sports season, Deni Avdija ensures that the group is always united.
“I have the impression that the atmosphere is very good within our team. Everyone is human before being a player, which I think is the most important thing in the dressing room. I think that’s the secret to a winning team.” assures the Israeli. “Of course, we haven’t managed to win many games this year, but this good atmosphere in the group is something you need in a team. I have a very good relationship with Kristaps Porzingis, but everyone really supports me”.
Finally the trigger for Deni Avdija?
After two irregular seasons, it seems that Deni Avdija has finally taken a (slight) step, the departure of Rui Hachimura having liberated him somewhat.
Drafted in 9th position in 2020, he is still struggling to confirm his potential, and the expectations placed on him. As his third season in the league draws to a close, he is averaging 9.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Statistics up slightly but still far from the level expected of him.
A level of play that he has largely raised lately, since in the last five games, he has 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists at 63.8% shooting including 47.6% at 3-points.
A series of positive performances punctuated by a very good match on Tuesday against the Celtics. Author of 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, he equaled his career scoring record. After the meeting, he did not forget to underline the importance of Kristpas Porzingis, who supported him in complicated moments.
“He wants what’s best for me and I respect him. We have similar backgrounds. He arrived young from Europe too, he understands what I’m going through. In bad times he’s there for me, in good times he celebrates with me.” revealed Deni Avdija about Latvian. “I feel like we’ve established a great relationship. On his bad days, I’m there for him. We are always laughing and talking”.
| Deni Avdija | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | WAS | 54 | 23 | 41.7 | 31.5 | 64.4 | 0.4 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 6.3 |
| 2021-22 | WAS | 82 | 24 | 43.2 | 31.7 | 75.7 | 0.6 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 8.4 |
| 2022-23 | WAS | 74 | 26 | 44.5 | 30.5 | 73.8 | 1.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 9.2 |
| Total | 210 | 25 | 43.4 | 31.2 | 73.3 | 0.7 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 8.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
