By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Carrying a groin injury from the 2022 EuroBasket is bad news for Deni Avdija.
Avdija, 21, has been limited to start the training camp of the Washington Wizards heading to the 2022-23 NBA season, as confirmed by head coach Wes Unseld Jr., relays Josh Robbins of The Athletic. On the kind part of the equation, the Israeli small forward is expected to ramp up activities inching closer to the new Regular Season.
Representing Israel in EuroBasket, he put up 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game but his side did not make out of Prague and was eliminated in the preliminary round. In addition, he picked up an injury restricting his participation in practice at the top of the 2022 NBA Preseason.
Selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft, the former player of storied club Maccabi Tel Aviv quickly emerged into a key player for the Wizards. Making 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game over 136 appearances is the statistical contribution of the last two seasons. A defensive specialist usually handling the toughest assignment of the night boosts his role.
Fellow European player based in Washington, Kristaps Porzingis healthy has launched the training camp without restrictions. The Latvian big man’s career in the NBA has suffered heavily from injury issues in the past. But this time around is determined to strengthen the Wizards’ push for a berth in the Playoffs from day one.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL