Draymond Green Praises Deni Avdija's NBA Ascent

Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija recently appeared on Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green's podcast, discussing his career journey from a challenging start in Washington to his breakout season with Portland. Green, a familiar opponent, expressed admiration for Avdija's game, particularly his driving ability. "I always knew you were very difficult to guard," Green stated, highlighting Avdija's powerful drives to the basket as "some of the strongest I've seen."

Green acknowledged Avdija's significant role in Portland last season, noting his emergence as the team's leader, his first All-Star selection, and his growth into a player who is beginning to fulfill his draft potential. He also inquired about Avdija's perspective on playing alongside other dominant guards like Damian Lillard and Ja Morant. Avdija views this as an opportunity, stating, "Being surrounded by two All-Star players, great players, is very helpful, especially because of their experience. It's a good problem to have, and I like it." He added that while last season gave him confidence with the ball in his hands, he is a versatile player who can adapt to playing with other ball-dominant guards.

Avdija also reflected on the difficulties of his early NBA career, attributing his initial struggles to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on his draft experience and transition to Washington. "Being drafted in the middle of the night, with all your friends and family with you, was a special moment," he recalled. "But then you arrive in Washington, which during the Corona period was a kind of ghost town. You arrive and there's no one outside, you're in your small hotel room, you enter the arena and everyone is wearing masks. You can't even shake people's hands properly." He described the overall experience as the "hardest start I could have gotten" in his career.

The conversation shifted to Avdija's realization of his potential. He explained that while he recognized his physical and professional advantages during training, it was the trade to Portland and encouragement from then-coach Chauncey Billups to initiate offense after rebounds that truly unlocked his game. "Every time you get a rebound, push the ball forward. I want you to do that," Billups told him. This directive allowed Avdija to manage the game himself, leading to increased offensive responsibility and confidence.

Avdija identified a career-high 43-point game against New Orleans as a pivotal moment where he felt he possessed something special. He also discussed his first playoff experience against San Antonio, acknowledging the significant difference in intensity and preparation compared to the regular season. "For a first playoff experience, it was very tough," he said, noting the need to find solutions beyond physicality and drawing fouls, which has influenced his offseason training.