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One thing every NBA team has to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

By Michael Shearer

Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) knocks the ball away from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) knocks the ball away from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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One thing every NBA team has to be thankful for on Thanksgiving
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 18: Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards points to the sky after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on November 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NBA; Thanksgiving  (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

One thing every NBA team has to be thankful for on Thanksgiving: Washington Wizards – Deni Avdija’s defense

Teams keep trying Deni Avdija. Teams keep failing.

The second-year wing from Israel has improved dramatically on defense, to the point where he’s used as a stopper. Several times this year, coach Wes Unseld Jr. has subbed Avdija in as a defensive specialist for end-game situations.

He’s not a freak athlete, but he is big at 6’9,” and he’s gained a lot of strength since draft night. He’s fouling significantly less while blocking more shots. Avdija moves his feet well and has done a great job of improving his positional defense from last year.

The Wizards somewhat perplexingly remain a top-tier defense, and Deni has the best defensive on/off numbers of any rotation player. Washington gives up more than nine points fewer per 100 possessions when Deni is on the court.

Opponents also shoot nine percentage points worse than expected when Deni is the closest defender. As of the time of this writing, he’s also 10th in the entire league in Defensive Box Plus/Minus.

According to NBA.com, Deni’s top-three most-guarded players are OG Anunoby, Jimmy Butler, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. You might’ve heard of a couple of those guys. It shows the trust that Unseld has in him that he’s constantly matched up with the opponent’s best player.

I know some Wizards fans have been frustrated by his inconsistent offensive play, and he’s still prone to overhelping at times, but Deni’s defensive development (and insatiable appetite for rebounds) have made him a significantly more valuable player in his second season.

The Wizards have plenty of willing scorers on this team, so Avdija’s commitment to the other end of the floor makes him an essential piece in Unseld’s toolbox.

He also delivers some truly top-notch quotes: