The Washington Wizards selected Israeli sensation Deni Avdija with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Avdija, a 6-9, 225-pound forward, becomes the highest-drafted Israeli player in NBA history and is just the fourth Israeli-born player to reach the NBA. For the second year in a row, Washington Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard set his sights on an international prospect.
“We don’t check passports when we draft players,” Sheppard said. “We look at talent. We were a little surprised that he would be there at number nine but we are very excited. The following of Deni Avdija is one of the largest in the world. We’re very honored to have him on our team.”
Coach Brooks on the excitement of Deni still being available at #9 and looking forward to seeing him in practice with the rest of the team. #Wizards #DCFamily #NBADraft @SportsJourney pic.twitter.com/NbOhTsfOnn
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 19, 2020
As a matter of fact, Sheppard has scouted Avdija since he was 16-years old and has watched his game evolve over the years.
Tommy Sheppard said they have been scouting their #9 pick Deni Avdija since he was 16 years old. #Wizards #DCFamily #NBADraft @SportsJourney pic.twitter.com/fAHu6dlZ7R
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 19, 2020
Avdija has played professionally the last three seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv, a top team in the EuroLeague. That means he comes with some professional experience which isn’t typical of most rookies entering the league.
He averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.6 minutes in 2019-20 Israeli League play, shooting .555 overall from the field while ranking third in two-point percentage (.673) and 21st in three-point percentage (.375). Avdija was named MVP of Basketball Without Borders Europe in 2018 and the BWB Global Camp in 2019 and earned All-Event honors at the 2018-19 EuroLeague Next Generation Tournament while playing for Maccabi’s Under-18 team.
While some development is expected, Avdija brings versality to the Wizards roster and is one of the best wings in his draft class. It’s expected that he will be able to contribute on both ends of the floor.
“I would call him a blend player. He’s able to make plays,” Sheppard said. “He is able to get into the paint. He’s able to make shots. He’s able to create for others. Hopefully he’ll bring that competitive gene that we’ve seen throughout his career. Defensively, I think he’ll be able to be versatile to help out. He has a bright future ahead of him on that end of the floor.”
“I love his toughness. I love his IQ,” Coach Scott Brooks added. “As a coach, you never want to worry about a guy playing hard. With this kid that’s what he does. He steps on the court and competes. He’s going to make our practices better. He’s going to make our games better. He’s played most of his career against guys that are older than him. Very rarely do you have that.”
With a healthy John Wall returning and Bradley Beal in place, it was important for the Wizards to find some help for them if they have a chance at making the playoffs.
“Now with John coming back, Brad’s improvement, and the experience these young guys got last year, I hope and I know that they will take another step this year and along with Deni, I think he’s going to help us,” Coach Brooks shared.