Once linked to Bulls, Avdija shrugs off first meeting
Washington Wizards rookie Deni Avdija was a popular choice in the mock drafts to be chosen by the Bulls. Before facing the Bulls for the first time Tuesday, Avdija didn't want to look back at what could have been.
"I was just focusing on getting to the NBA, to the right team and start playing," Avdija said. "I was in contact with NBA teams, but it was more my agent behind the scenes doing their job.
"For me, whatever it was back then happened and I'm on the Wizards now and I'm focusing on winning with the Wizards. I'm happy, it's my home right now."
Avdija ended up going to Washington with the No. 9 pick after the Bulls settled on Patrick Williams at No. 4. Avdija also refuted the story that he was a Bulls fan while growing up in Israel and therefore, was not particularly excited about playing against them.
"I said that, but it's not like I watched every game," Avdija said. "I used to like watching D-Rose at the time and I was just watching sometimes their games, but I wasn't like a fan of them. For me, it's cool to play in the NBA in general.
"It's not like there's a specific team where I'm going to say, 'Wow.' I'm facing every team the same and fro me, it's really a dream."
Avdija has been starting for the Wizards with second-year forward Rui Hachimura sidelined by an eye issue. The 6-foot-9 forward was averaging 7 points and 5.3 rebounds heading into Tuesday's action.