Deni Avdija spent draft night in an epic wine cellar and Twitter had jokes
By Scott Rogust
Deni Avdija learned he was selected ninth-overall by the Washington Wizards inside a wine cellar, and Twitter was left in awe.
The NBA Draft, much like the NFL Draft, has gone completely virtual this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While we’ve become used to the grand events inside major cities, the stay-at-home version has been just as special. Back in the NFL Draft, we were left in amazement by Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s modern mansion and Jerry Jones’ super-yacht. But one NBA Draft prospect might have them beat.
On Wednesday night, the Washington Wizards selected Israeli forward Deni Avdija with the ninth overall pick. ESPN cut to Avdija, who spent his night inside a wine cellar! Yes, you read that right! And of course, Twitter had jokes.
"hey dad can I do my draft interview in the wine room?" -Deni Avdija probably pic.twitter.com/iQuTeVR24n
— Dr. RJ Bobo Bocco (@rjboccomino) November 19, 2020
Deni Avdija has wine for years behind him and therefore he’s my new favorite NBA player. Wizards got a good one!
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 19, 2020
deni avdija doing his draft hit in front of 100+ israeli wine bottles. love to see it
— kelly cohen (@ByKellyCohen) November 19, 2020
Deni Avdija can play. Also, it's 4:03 a.m. in Tel Aviv, so it's a tough call on whether to crack into any of those 100 wine bottles behind him or not.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/Jhickness9/status/1329243510176886785
Deni Avdija has to be the first 19-year old to be drafted while in a wine cellar. Big Jerry Jones flexing energy here. #NBADraft
— Small State Big Takes Podcast (@SmallStateTakes) November 19, 2020
Deni Avdija with the draft party set up of the night. Thousands of dollars of bottles of wine and champagne just chilling there.
— Brian (@BrianBevo10) November 19, 2020
Deni Avdija with the biggest flex in NBA Draft history
We’ve never seen anything like this in the history of the NBA. In year’s past, we’ve seen prospects wear lavish jewelry that has us gawking. But, Avdija topped everyone by standing in front of thousands dollar wine bottles. What a flex.
Avdija was the top international prospect in this year’s draft class. The 6-9, 220-pound winger had received praise for his ball-handling, court vision and playmaking ability. In fact, there were reports that the Golden State Warriors were “infatuated” with Avdija and were considering selecting him if they were to trade out of the second-overall pick. That ultimately never happened, as the Warriors stood pat and selected Memphis center James Wiseman.
This past season with Maccabi Tel Aviv of the EuroLeague, Avdija averaged 4.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 14.3 minutes of play, while shooting 43.6-percent from the field. Sure, the individual numbers aren’t sexy, but teams like his skillset.
The Wizards may have Bradley Beal and John Wall, but Avdija might have solidified himself as the new fan favorite with the biggest flex in NBA Draft history.
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