The Washington Wizards mistake to move on from Deni Avdija has been one of the largest talking points of the team's horrid start to the season,
Sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings once again without a clear cornerstone in sight, it's safe to say the Wizards regret from the Avdija trade will only grow, especially as the forward continues to thrive with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Averaging 25.5 points. 7.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists, while shooting 46.9% from field goal range and 37.7% from beyond the arc, the former No. 9 overall pick has become an emerging star using the chip on his shoulder and the change of scenery to his advantage.
That alone is enough reason for the Wizards and their fanbase to realize the giant mistake they made moving on from the Croatian product, but it's not the only reminder the team will receive, especially after the recent Top 25 Under 25 Rankings revealed by ESPN.
Deni Avdija's Top 25 ranking exposes a brutal truth for Wizards
Within ESPN's rankings revealing the top 25 players under 25-years-old, Washington saw some added confidence with Alex Sarr making the list at No. 22.
Giving the fans hope that they may have finally found a star to build around was a great feeling for a fanbase that needed something to offer confidence about the path the Wizards were heading towards throughout their rebuild.
However, in the same article that gave the team hope, it also provided a harsh reminder that they may have already had a cornerstone on the roster that their impatience cost them.
Landing at No. 15 on the list, seven spots ahead of Sarr, ESPN's Tim Bontemps made it clear exactly why Avdija's not only in the Top 25, but the Top 15.
"When Portland acquired Avdija from Washington during the 2024 draft, it was seen by many across the NBA as an overpay," Bontemps explained.
"However, Avdija has rewarded that faith with a strong case to make his first All-Star team this season. He's also arguably the leading candidate for Most Improved Player behind a leap in points per game (25.8, up from 16.9) while maintaining his efficiency."
"Avdija already looks like a foundational performer for the Blazers," Bontemps said. "If he can continue this production and carry it over to next season, he'll have fully ascended to a star-level wing."
Washington could have assembled a frontcourt led by a pairing of Avdija and Sarr, but instead, they're forced to watch a former top 10 pick of their own emerge elsewhere.