clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Issac Bonga thinks the Wizards’ international roster will be an asset for them

The Washington Wizards guard and German nationals spoke to media earlier today.

By Albert Lee
Milwaukee Bucks v Washington Wizards
Issac Bonga is looking forward to getting on the court this season, not just with John Wall and Bradley Beal, but also with his fellow non-American teammates. Washington has seven overall.
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

We live in a world where Americans face state-mandated 14-day quarantines or travel bans from countries when they try to travel across the globe. The government has become more isolationist and antagonist to the European Union, though I think that will change next January.

And I know. I’m getting out of topic. But in the WNBA, the league is becoming more and more American, because ... many, if not most Europeans quite frankly don’t want to play here for lesser roles and lesser pay. That may or may not be relevant to the Washington Mystics ... but this article is on the Washington Wizards!

So it’s interesting that despite our increased isolationism as Americans, the Wizards have seven non-Americans. In fact, head coach Scott Brooks seems to like that.

Issac Bonga, one of the international players returning to this season’s roster, also believed the team’s international flavor will be an asset during media availability this week. Bonga is one of two Wizards players from Germany, the other being Moritz Wagner.

The Wizards’ five other non-Americans are:

  • Rui Hachimura (Japan)
  • Anzejs Pasecniks (Latvia)
  • Davis Bertans (Latvia)
  • Deni Avdija (Israel for FIBA, also a Serbian citizen)
  • Raul Neto (Brazil)

You can watch part of his media availability below:

In addition, Bonga spoke about his goals for this season for the Wizards. During the offseason, he mentioned that he prepared for this season as someone whom John Wall will pass to, given that the point guard is returning for the first time in two calendar years from an Achilles injury.

Where do you all see Bonga fitting in this season? Let us know in the comments below.