Wizards Player Evaluations: Deni Avdija continues to improve in his second NBA season, 2021-22. He demonstrates an improved ability to handle the ball off the dribble and becomes a reliable scorer.
After an unforeseen conclusion to his rookie season due to leg harm, Deni Avdija returned to the Washington Wizards. He took some time off during the off-season to rehabilitate before returning for the 2021-22 season. He recovered from his injuries, becoming one of only five players in the league to play in every game. The amount of time he spent on the floor this season gave us a good idea of where he is in his growth.
Pros
Avdija’s durability was undoubtedly one of his best achievements this season. But he also made significant defensive improvements. Deni Avdija improves in his second NBA season, 2021-22. Wizards Player Evaluations. He also cut down on his fouls, which had been a problem that kept him from playing more during his first season.
Avdija also took on challenging defensive duties, such as protecting the opponent’s primary scorers.
For a significant stretch of the season, his willingness to accept that role earned him minutes after games.
Deni only made minor statistical improvements on offense, but there were some noticeable differences. Wes Unseld Jr. appeared to be more willing to use Avdija as a secondary ball-handler, which increased his usage. The minor increase in his assists (1.2 assists increase per 36 minutes). He seemed to do a great job of keeping the ball moving and deciding whether or not to shoot the ball.
Cons
Deni’s defensive game has improved, but he still has to work on his offensive game. His shooting is still streaky, and he has to improve his touch around the rim. Deni seems to have a lot of trouble finishing at the rim during the season. He shot 58.4 percent less than 5 feet from the hoop for the season. On the other hand, Raul Neto shot 61.8 percent by the same criteria. Someone of Avdija’s size is expecting to be a better shooter around the basket than a 6-foot-1 guard. Deni’s overall body of work showed that this is an area in which he will need to continue to improve.
Furthermore, while Deni has improved his ball-handling skills, he is still not powerful enough to be the primary ball-handler that so many fans had hoped to be. He still has a few ways to go some time recently, if he can ever really take on that part. Deni Avdija continues to improve in his second NBA season, 2021-22.
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