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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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Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – Improve 3pt Shooting Efficiency

According to reports, shooting is the specific reason Deni chose to seek help from NBA skills trainer Drew Hanlen. That’s great to hear because he’s been struggling from behind the arc since entering the league. Since being drafted, he’s never shot over 33% from three. Don’t get me wrong, Deni is not a sniper by any means but that percentage can easily get to over 35-36% with the right shooting coach.

His form already looks pretty good so he just needs to make minor adjustments to become more consistent. This summer, it already looks like he’s taking the right steps to improve his shooting stroke. Below is a glimpse of the slight tweaks Deni has made to his jump shot while working with Drew Hanlen.

You can tell that his release is a lot more fluid in the video above. Yes, it’s still not perfect by any means, but it’s definitely an improvement from last season. His body seems to be more squared and his elbow is a lot closer to his frame at the point of release. This will allow him to get his shot up quicker and knock it down with better accuracy.

With all the work he’s putting in this summer, I expect his 3pt percentage to rise considerably. With Beal and Porzingis on the floor, that should free up some easier shots for him. All Deni has to do is catch and shoot. The goal for him coming into his third year should be to shoot over 35% from distance.

The Wizards also brought in Monte Morris and Delon Wright this offseason to run point guard, which gives Deni a break from playmaking as much. His main focus coming into year three should be putting the ball in the basket. Don’t do too much. Just shoot the basketball whenever you’re open.

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