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Now it’s official: Deni Avdija is coming from Israel to the Washington Wizards.
In my series on international prospects this week I reviewed the available prospects from Europe. When discussing point forwards I discussed Avdija and Krejci and explained why both would be a great fit for the Wizards.
I didn’t believe Deni would be available at No. 9. But once he was available, Johnny Rogers and Tommy Sheppard, as I explained in part 1, know the Euro market as well as anybody. So it felt very natural (to me) that the Wizards picked him.
I have watched Deni play many times in Israel, interviewed him, and followed him closely this past year as I was preparing an in-depth special on him for CloseUp360, you can read it all here:
"Playing for the badge means more to me. To rep my own team & win a championship, it gives me more drive to play than making more money." - Deni Avdija
— CloseUp360 (@CloseUp360) November 18, 2020
We spent time in Israel with the NBA's top overseas prospect @deniavdia8, his family & coaches.
Story: https://t.co/8i9BYSLWYy pic.twitter.com/TzABiCl8BD
I know some of you will feel a sense of caution, fearing this is another Euro bust. If you ask me, I don’t think so at all (as I argued here). Deni’s personality, work ethics, character are exactly what Tommy Sheppard is looking for. He is exactly the kind of player Bradley Beal will appreciate.
I think the Wizards really hit the lottery this year with Deni falling down to 9. Let us know what you think in the comments.