The Iron Men of the 2021-22 NBA season

Deni Avdija’s status as a current Iron Man was in question recently after suffering a quad contusion in last Tuesday’s game against Detroit, but Avdija suited up on Friday night against Atlanta and on Sunday night against Indiana to keep his streak alive of playing in all 63 Wizards games this season. The 21-year-old Israeli had the best six-game stretch of his nascent two-year career back in February, scoring in double-figures in six consecutive games. It’s clear that Avdija is gaining confidence in the NBA. He’s quickened his decision making and he’s been a really good on-ball defender. He’s also earning the trust of head coach Wes Unseld Jr., who has been including Deni in the Wizards closing lineups in crunch time.