Jordan Poole erupted for 41 points Wednesday against the New York Knicks. The Washington Wizards guard dropped 29 of those points in the first half. He shot 53 percent from the field, including 6-of-12 from three-point range. But not everyone was feeling the “Poole Party.”
Poole’s teammate Deni Avdija went viral for all the wrong reasons during the game. In the second quarter, Poole hit a crazy stepback three over Knicks forward RJ Barrett. Meanwhile, Avdija was left open on the wing.
Avdija waved his hands for the ball, but Poole was already committed to shooting his shot. A disappointed Deni dropped his hands and head in disgust before jogging back on defense.
Now, Avdija was right to call for the ball. He was open. Poole was in control of the possession. But dropping his head after the shot went in and jogging back with an uninterested demeanor was not a good look for Avdija.
Then, an exchange on the bench drew more concerns about Avdija and Poole’s chemistry.
Poole asked Deni to slide down a seat for him to sit on the bench, but Avdija was a bit reluctant. And his response drew some laughter, but it’s enough to keep an eye on as the season unfolds. This was Deni’s first game on the court with Poole.
Deni Avdija is in a contract year and still looking to prove he’s worth the lottery pick
Team chemistry is always a concern. The Wizards reshaped its roster, trading Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. Ultimately, Washington landed Poole after some wheeling and dealing that involved the Golden State Warriors and legendary point guard Chris Paul.
It’s hard to assume what was going through Avdija’s mind. However, he is in a contract year. The Wizards have until Oct. 23 to give Avdija a contract extension. If a deal doesn’t get reached by then, Avdija becomes a restricted free agent.
Avdija is in his fourth season with the Wizards. Washington selected him ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. To say Avdija has underachieved is an understatement. Last season, Washington moved on from their 2019 lottery pick Rui Hachimura after not giving him an extension, trading Rui to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trading Hachimura was to create more playing time for Deni. Avdija started 40 games and raised his scoring average to a career-high 9.3 points. His touches got limited due to Beal, Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma.
This season, Avdija will have to support Poole and Kuzma. There is also the addition of Bilal Coulibaly, the rookie Washington essentially selected seventh overall in a draft-day trade with the Indiana Pacers. Coulibaly is turning heads, playing a similar style as Deni.
Thus, there could be some frustration in his situation. And Deni could be put off some by watching Poole take some challenging shots.
Hopefully, the Wizards chalk the moment up as a small instance and move on. But let this be a lesson to hoopers of all ages. Be careful how you react on the court. Somebody is watching.
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