One of the biggest stories over the past few weeks surrounding the Washington Wizards the past few weeks centered around whether or not forward Deni Avdija would play for his home country’s national team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The World Cup is an international tournament where teams from around the globe come to compete for the championship. While most players don’t take it as seriously as the Olympics, especially in the United States, there is usually a strong NBA presence.
Deni Avdija is reportedly not going to represent his home country in the FIBA World Cup
The Wizards were reported to be strongly against him participating in the tournament and even sent a team doctor to visit the 22-year-old in Israel. They want to prioritize his development with the team and focus on keeping him healthy this summer.
Deni Avdija, however, was adamant in representing his country. This is an attitude that is strong in the NBA, especially in large events like the Olympics and FIBA World Cup.
Unfortunately for Avdija, the Wizards are forcing him to withhold from the tournament due to an undisclosed hip injury. This is unfortunate as the international tournament would have been the first time that we would have seen the new shooting form that he has been working on in action.
Deni Avdija will not participate in the Pre-Olympic Qualifying tournament with the Israel National Team. As per the IBBA, due to a hip injury the Washington Wizards won’t allow Avdija to take part in the competition this summer. pic.twitter.com/VuADPsCiRN
— Sports Rabbi (@thesportsrabbi) July 25, 2023
With this being a contract year for the longest tenured player on the roster, it would be the smart decision to focus on staying healthy. With a break-out season likely happening this season, it would be a shame to lose money and games played due to a hip injury during the offseason.
Deni Avdija would have loved to represent his country, but this was always going to be the smart play entering a contract year with a new front office.
— Neil Dalal (@NeilDalal96) July 25, 2023
The injury is not believed to be serious, unlike last summer’s groin injury that he played through during EuroBasket. https://t.co/KVJVh6e4Gv
While both Deni Avdija and the Israeli national team are surely disappointed by the news, the Washington Wizards are likely jumping for joy as they can all but ensure that one of their best players remains healthy for next season.