What’s Next For Deni Avdija’s Inspiring NBA Career?

Joey Askin ‘24
Upon being selected ninth overall in the 2020 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, Deni Avdija quickly provided Jewish basketball fans worldwide with a feeling of excitement unlike anything before. At just 19 years old, Avdija found himself serving as a symbol of hope not only for the Washington Wizards organization struggling to escape a continuous cycle of mediocrity, but also for an entire Jewish community itching to watch someone of their religion play the game of basketball at the highest level. 

​

Avdija began playing organized basketball at a young age and quickly stood out for his talent. He joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth academy at the age of 12 and by the time he was a teenager, Avdija was already playing in the top tier of Israeli basketball and had become a well-known figure in the country’s basketball scene.
    In 2020, 19-year-old Avdija became the youngest player ever to take home MVP honors of the Israeli league, while also being named “Israeli Player of the Year.” His impressive performance at such a young age attracted the attention of many NBA scouts, especially those of the Wizards. 
    Avidija’s selection as a top 10 pick in his class served as a significant moment for both his home country, Israel, and the entire Jewish community as he immediately became the only Israeli and Jew in the NBA. 
    Despite lofty expectations, Avidija’s rookie season was a mixed bag. While he certainly showed flashes of brilliance, Avdija struggled to find consistency, averaging just 6.3 points per game. Injuries greatly limited his playing time, as he was ultimately unable to finish the season because of an ankle problem. 
    “It was definitely disappointing to see such an icon in the Jewish community struggle early on,” said junior Ari Komorovski. “I think there was just way too much pressure on Deni to succeed right away, but I knew he would come back better than ever for his sophomore season.”
    As it turned out, Avdija’s hard work in the offseason paid off, as he returned for his second year looking like a completely different player. Avdija finally began to display the same confidence and aggressiveness on the court that caused him to be drafted in the first place. 
Avdija quickly solidified himself as one of the best young defenders in the league, boasting a defensive rating of 112.3 while also averaging close to one steal and block per game. His 6’9” size and incredible athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing players, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Washington. 
“Avdija has a special ability to keep the offense in front of him and prevent anyone from scoring past him,” said junior Doron Finkel. “His unique frame, standing at 6’9”, gives him a tremendous advantage, especially with his feline quickness defending against smaller guards.”
Now in his third season, Avdija has shown immense improvement in his offensive game, averaging almost 10 points per game. Despite sharing the court with star players such as Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, Avidija has still proved to be a valuable asset who can create his own shot and score all over the court. 
This past offseason, Avdija starred for the Israeli national team as he led them to a top 10 rank in the entire world. Over the summer, Avdija showcased his ability to carry an offensive load even when going up against elite international talent. 
“It was exciting to watch someone so talented on national television wear the Jewish star on their jersey,” said junior Avi Tobin. “I was impressed with Avdija’s strong leadership, as he was vocal even with mostly veteran teammates.”
Off the court, Avdija has made just as large an impact. As the only Jewish player in the NBA, Avdija has often been put under the spotlight in times of controversy. Nevertheless, he has remained a vocal advocate for the Jewish community and has repeatedly spoken out against antisemitism. 
When Kyrie Irving publicly promoted antisemitic material on his social media platforms, Avidija gave a thoughtful response in a New York Times interview. “I've heard, I’ve seen. Listen, at the end of the day, I think Irving's a role model, he's a great player. I think he made a mistake, but you need to understand that he gives an example to people. People look up to him.”
“I feel like Avdija’s words were a sigh of relief to Jews worldwide,” said junior Zach Siegel. “He was able to use his platform to spread awareness against antisemitism, while also maintaining a respectful demeanor.”
Looking to the future, Avdija still holds immense potential. At just 21 years old, Avdija has established himself as a legitimate NBA player with all the tools to one day become an All-Star, moreover undoubtedly becoming a prominent role model for Jewish fans across the globe.