Wiz of Awes
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3 Ways Deni Avdija can finally meet expectations in 2022-23

By Jamal Bedell

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 24: Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards walks down court during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 24, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 24: Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards walks down court during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 24, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Every year is important but the 2022-2023 season will be extremely crucial for the Washington Wizards’ 2020 1st round pick. There are no more excuses. Deni Avdija is entering his 3rd year in the NBA next season and now it’s time to put up or shut up.

As a player coming from overseas, it can be quite the adjustment adapting to the NBA game. However, Deni was drafted No. 9 overall with the expectation that he could come in and contribute right away. He started playing professionally at the age of 16 with the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, so the assumption was the learning curve wouldn’t be too big for him.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case so far. Deni has struggled to find his footing in his first two seasons in the NBA. He’s had some flashes, but overall, the consistency has not been there. The Wizards are hoping the turnaround will finally start to happen this upcoming season.

As a recent top-10 pick, Deni must validate his draft selection this upcoming year. The Washington Wizards have until October 31st to decide whether or not they want to exercise his option for 2023-2024. This is a huge decision that the front office is probably unsure of at the moment.

This offseason, Deni has been working with NBA skills trainer Drew Hanlen. Hanlen has trained some of the NBA’s most renowned scorers, such as Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Zach LaVine, and the Wizard’s own Bradley Beal. He’s known for helping players make a dramatic jump when it comes to scoring the basketball. Hopefully, Hanlen’s training regimen will take Deni to new heights offensively.

Related Story. Deni Avidja to Work with Drew Hanlen. light

But here are three ways Deni Avdjia can finally meet expectations in 2022-2023 for the Washington Wizards:

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