Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija plays despite the suffering while the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.
As the season begins, the Washington Wizards small forward puts up amazing statistics while praying for his fellow countrymen back home in the wake of the horrific Hamas atrocities.
NBA forward Deni Avdija wants everyone in his native Israel to know that he is not forgetting them.
He is starting his fourth NBA season with the Washington Wizards, thousands of miles and an ocean away from his home country, but he still feels the pain of his fellow Israelis over the murder of about 1,200 people and the capture of another 240. He is also praying for the IDF soldiers fighting the terror group that controls the Gaza Strip. The war is currently in its second month.
Avdija is doing his best to maintain an optimistic exterior even if he is crying on the inside. The 22-year-old Avdija was joking around with colleagues after the Wizards’ 146-128 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on November 6, attempting his best to blend in.
Speaking of those teammates, he claims they have supported him in handling a situation that is completely uncharacteristic of the playbook.
The 6’9″ Avdija, who finished the game with 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 28 minutes, declared, “My teammates are the finest.” The Wizards dropped to 1-5. “They are standing by me. They are posing inquiries. They are curious about what’s happening in my nation, and I appreciate that. They are attempting to comprehend the circumstances.
It supports. You’re not really safe in Israel right now, your pals are fighting, and you’re away from home. It means a lot to me that they came and demonstrated their concern,” he remarked.
Against the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija advances the ball up court during the opening half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 8, 2023.
They claim that it’s the least they can do. Fourth-year forward Anthony Gill of the Wizards stated, “We try to support him in every way and be a light for him in a very uncertain time for him and his family back home.” “We try to bring light and joy to him whenever we see him down.”
“Deni is a happy person. He’s constantly trying to find a joke. Therefore, we try to encourage him whenever he doesn’t do that,” Gill added. For Deni, it only lets him know that he has support. That’s the most important thing.
Nicolas Batum of Philadelphia can relate in a special way. Regarding the coordinated Islamic State attacks that resulted in at least 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries in 2015, Frenchman Batum stated, “I played the same day there was a terrorist attack in Paris.” “It wasn’t easy, but you want to show your people your strength.”
My teammates supported me. They got up and stood with me,” he remarked.
In a similar line, Avdija has been able to succeed on the court because he knows his teammates have his back. Despite the early stages of the season, he is statistically having his greatest year to far, averaging a career-high 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 50% shooting on a shot per possession.
It has been observed. Wes Unseld Jr., the Wizards coach, praised Deni’s performance, saying that Avdija has started every game. “He’s become more assertive and aggressive, and his efficiency has increased.” In addition, he exudes greater confidence. Thus, I believe he’s in a solid basketball position and that he’s adjusting to life at home really well.
I’m calling home a lot to check on my people, my friends,” said Avdija, who’s relieved knowing all of his family members are safe. “Praying for them. Praying for the families. Praying for the people who got kidnapped. I want them back home and healthy.”
Sadly, there’s little he can do about it on the court, where he finds himself surrounded by eight new teammates this season. “It’s part of the NBA; part of the business,” said Avdija, who joins Gill as the longest-tenured Wizard. “You can’t do anything about it.
However, I enjoy gaining new teammates. They introduce a novel culture. If you’ve been here the longest, it must mean something, he remarked.
Avdija’s recent signing of a four-year, $55 million contract deal to stay with the Wizards was clear evidence of that.
Situated in the central Israeli city of Herzliya, Avdija expressed her satisfaction, adding that the money was a bonus. But it means a lot that you are wanted here. It’s more important to convey that the company values you and wants you to stick around.
Leave a Reply