Earlier this week, fourth-year forward Deni Avdija signed a contract extension after averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Despite the joy that comes with signing a contract extension, as the only current NBA player born in Israel, Avdija has his home on his mind.
Recently, Avdija opened up to the media on his thoughts on the war between Israel and Hamas.
“We are dealing with a lot of really bad situation at home," Avdija said. "My prayers every day. I'm on the news every day. I'm praying for my people I'm checking on my friends and yeah obviously my friends serving in the army they're fighting right now so our prayers are with them.”
Avdija continued to share saying, "Honestly, it's tough you know. There's really more important things than basketball and life and it's really tough for me and my mind sometimes is there. But I gotta keep it professional. I gotta do my job and when I have the chance to stand with Israel, stand with my country, I will.”
Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. shared with the media how the team is supporting Avdija during this time.
"They’ve all reached out," Unseld said. "We talked about it as a group. I think that level of support, putting arms around him, and just showing him that he's part of our family. Make sure he's aware that we care about the situation puts him at ease. It is what it is. It’s horrifying to watch. He understands we fully support him."
Avdija was originally selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has appeared in 212 games with Washington over the past three seasons, posting career averages of 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 24.8 minutes per game. The native of Israel improved in points, rebounds, and assists per game in each of his three seasons with the Wizards, setting career marks in points (9.2), rebounds (6.4), assists (2.8), and steals (0.9) per game with a career-best .437 shooting percentage from the floor in 2022-23.
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