The Washington Wizards are expecting quite a bit, and soon they will be back too: forward Roy Hachimura and center Thomas Bryant are expected to return soon to the squad from the capital, which has so far enjoyed a good season opener – but also stopped a bit, with a lone win in the last four games. In an article published today (Monday) in “Athletic”, they tried to analyze how their return will affect the staff of Wes Ansald Jr.’s team, and within that – also the condition of Danny Abdia.
Abdia and Kyle Kozma were the ones who shared the power forward position that Hachimura cleared due to injury and personal problems. Upon his return, it is clear that both are expected to play less, but while Kozma will also be able to play as a small forward, a position he also played for in the Lakers uniform, Abdia’s minutes of play are expected to diminish even more. “He was effective as a defensive player,” the journalist’s article read Josh Robbins, “But his attack is still in development.”
Meanwhile, Abdia continues to win compliments for his defensive ability. Journalist Kevin O’Connor from Ringer has published a number of points about the season so far, writing about the Israeli basketball player’s ability on defense. “Last season, as a rookie, Abdia was crushed defending the ball, to the point where coach Scott Brooks took him off the field. This season, with Wes Ansald Jr., he picks him up from the bench, and puts him in front of the opponent’s best player.”
“Abdia flourished in defensive abilities, against opponents in different styles – from Janice Antecompo and Kevin Durant, to Jaylen Brown and Jimmy Butler. His defense has stood out since his days at Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel,” O’Connor wrote of him. “And although he was young, he managed to function as an experienced player. Today, he added to that better strength, speed and discipline as a player. This season he managed to block more times (18) than he blocked all last season (15).”
However, O’Connor also detailed the problems: “Things still don’t connect on offense,” he noted, “he had too little time with the ball, and he scored only 31.3% off the arc of the three. And yet, he’s only 20, and he proved “That he can turn disadvantages into advantages. It’s only a matter of time before he can shine even in attack.”
Deni Avdija (87.3) and Montrezl Harrell (87.8) have the team’s lowest defensive ratings in two games vs. Toronto this season.#DCAboveAll | @DXCTechnology pic.twitter.com/hmQsdb6bR8
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 5, 2021
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