by Derek Saling

After drafting Rui Hachimura out of Japan last season, the Washington Wizards found themselves receiving more international attention than they might have been used to. This experience with some extra international notoriety might help this season too, as they once again spent a high draft pick on an international player, this time on forward Deni Avdija out of Israel.

While his Israeli origins might be a reason that some are paying attention, those in the fantasy basketball community have taken notice of his play on the court so far. The 20-year-old was considered somewhat of a project coming out of the draft but has so far found himself a nice role in the Wizards rotation thus far. This may mean that a few bets will be placed on him through gambling websites like Vwin88 as well as the myriad of others offering similar chances for users to hopefully win a bit of money when he plays.

Why fantasy players should take note

It’s true that lottery picks are generally expected to get playing time to start their careers, but it’s always nice to see that actually come to fruition in their rookie seasons. Deni has found himself in a starting role in every game so far, and carved out an average of 22.6 minutes per game, with hope that he’ll continue to see more time as he gets more comfortable to the NBA game.

Obviously he was not going to be a feature player on a team with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, he has found himself with a decent level of production so far that is likely working well for those who may have received an ESPN fantasy basketball tip before the season.

Through the first 13 games of his career, Avdija is averaging 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, a solid spread for a young player. Now, this solid output has not been entirely picked up by the fantasy basketball community. Currently, he’s only rostered on 9% of teams in ESPN leagues.

For a consistent starter who is only going to get more experience as the season goes, that rostered percentage seems low to me. This is a player with plenty of upside with the more he plays.

Plus, for those who are in roto leagues, he’s averaging .8 steals per game, which is above average for that position in the category. Always nice to get a little benefit like that.

Israeli Roots

Deni Avdija made history with his position in the draft last November, when he became the highest NBA draft selection of any player from Israel, surpassing TJ Leaf in doing so.

He understands that this feat will be attracting more attention from an audience than most rookies have to deal with because of the lack of Israeli players. “It’s exciting. Any time you can make history or any kind of good thing to represent the Jewish community and the state of Israel, that’s an honor for me,” he said at the NBA Draft Combine media conference.

Though he is young, he does have one advantage over other rookies, is because he played in Israel professionally prior to the NBA, he might have an easier adjustment to the pro game than those who went through college.

Rookie Outlook

For those who are interested in things like a sports betting app where they want to place a wager on Avdija for Rookie of the year, he’s currently sitting at +5500 for the reward. Most definitely an underdog, he still is a potential play for those looking for a great return on their play.

With the Wizards having an abysmal start to their season (read: big questions), especially with the expectations after trading for Westbrook, Deni Avdija might be one of the bright spots of their season. He will hope to improve and help bolster an improved end of the season for the team.

Either way, this season is likely more of an experiential one rather than aiming for the championship, but it has showed that he can play in the league. There is still plenty of time for the young player to reach his ceiling.