The NBA’s health and safety protocols have also shaped the Washington Wizards’ roadmap. Currently, five players are affected by these protocols within the capital franchise. Consequently, the coaching staff has had to make use of the available personnel and demand a little more from those already present.
Among them, the head coach Wes Unseld Jr. has entrusted Deni Avdija to assume a more relevant role on the court, mainly in the defensive section. The main task of the Israeli player in recent games has been very demanding: to contain the main scorers of the rival team.
This responsibility is not only a response to the urgencies of the moment, but Unseld Jr. hopes it will help Avdija develop and become a defensive benchmark for the Wizards. “It’s going to be a challenge for him,” said the coach, according to one of the media. NBC Sports. Then it’s not going to be great every night. I don’t expect it to be, but growth has already been noticed in his game. And the more you face these challenges, the more comfortable you will feel defending against important opponents. It will make you a better player. “
Of course, this is not an unexpected development. Last November, Unseld Jr. had already stood out from the sophomore his “size, physical shape and lateral movement” in order to defend the rival stars.
For his part, Avdija only limits himself to fulfilling what the coach asks of him and helping the team to win. «I just like to help the team as much as possible. For me it is a dream come true. Helping the team win and being there for my teammates is the best gift I can receive. Really.”
(Cover photo by Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)