The Washington Wizards announced Deni Avdija suffered a hairline fracture of his right fibular. The rookie forward will not require surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery in approximately 12 weeks.
The announcement is relatively good news for Avdija, considering how bad the injury appeared. Avdija landed awkwardly going up for a layup in Tuesday’s win over the Golden State Warriors. Teammate Jordan Ball draped a practice jersey over Avdija’s right leg. Avdija taken off the court in a wheelchair.
While he’ll be out the remainder of the season, he should be fully recovered in about three months. His timetable for recovery places him to be a full sometime in July. That also assures he will be ready in time for training camp next season.
Washington selected Avdija ninth overall in November’s NBA Draft. The 20-year old marveled the Wizards winning the Israeli League MVP award. His development will be key to the Wizards rebuild ultimately.
Deni Avdija appeared in 54 games this season. He averaged 6.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Avdija joins James Wiseman of the Golden State Warriors as lottery picks from this year’s draft to suffer season-ending injuries. The 20-year old Avdija also becomes the second starter from the Wizards frontcourt to have his season ended in injury. Center Thomas Bryant tore his ACL in January.
Meanwhile, the Wizards will have to move forward without its starting small forward. The team is currently holds the 10th and final spot in the play-in series by 1/2 game. Head coach Scott Brooks will have to reshuffle the starting lineup without Avdija.
Washington is also without starting power forward Rui Hachimura with left knee soreness. Thus, it will be interesting see what option Brooks turns. The Wizards’ next game is Friday at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
