Washington Wizards: 3 players that need to step up with Deni Avdija out
By Ethan Smith
Washington Wizards that need to step up: Isaac Bonga
After beginning the season as a starter, Isaac Bonga faded from the Washington Wizards’ rotation and only played 15 or more minutes twice in the past month. Even against Golden State (the game in which Avdija went down) and the Thunder, Bonga didn’t play a huge role and only saw the floor for 10 minutes in each contest. However, he’s the closest fit to what the Wizards were getting from Deni Avdija.
Bonga doesn’t have the playmaking ability that Deni possesses and won’t push the pace after grabbing a defensive rebound like the rookie. But he can provide relief on the wing as a defensive presence. Given that Westbrook and Beal will be taking most of the shots anyways, Bonga doesn’t necessarily need to be an offensive juggernaut. However, if he can not at least be a threat to make something (anything!) happen, then the Wizards will be playing four on five on the offensive end. Not ideal.
His play on the other end may make up for his offensive ineptitude, though. This season, the Wizards have a 113.5 defensive rating when Bonga is on the bench. When he’s on the floor, though, that number drops significantly, down to 101.1, per NBA.com.