Washington's General Manager: "We Want Abdia to Be a Star" | Israel today

Together with Eran Zehavi, and at times above him, Danny Abdia is the most popular Israeli athlete in recent years.

Nevertheless, he is the third player in history to come from Israel to the best league in the world, the first to be selected in the top ten in the draft and probably the basketball player with the greatest potential that has grown here.

Abdia started his second season with the Washington Wizards last week after opening the rookie season well, but injured his ankle and missed the second half of the season.

In recent months he has worked with the best experts to come back stronger and better.

A few days before the start of the season, the Israeli talent was informed that the team had fulfilled the third season in his contract, a move that usually symbolizes the fact that the club sees the player as a significant part of the team in the coming years.

"Danny is a great player who gets better every day, and we see him as part of our organization for many years," Tommy Shepherd, the general manager of Washington and the man who brought Abdia to the team from the American capital, told Israel Weekly in an exclusive interview with the Israeli media.

What goals did you set as an organization for Danny Abdia in his second season in the league?

"First of all he will help the team. We want him to be a star in his role. To be a defensive player, a good rebounder, one who drives the game and does things and moves. He has a varied game, he can do a lot of things, and we think he can be a significant player on both sides of the field. ".

Abdia.

"Can be significant on both sides of the field," Photo: AP

NBA fans who watched the Wizards last season must have noticed that Russell Westbrook and Bradley Bill, the two stars of the team, completely dominated the attacking game, while the Israeli rookie, like the rest of his teammates, stood aside and waited for crumbs.

This summer Washington sent Westbrook in a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Bill, who has been refusing to get vaccinated and has suffered an injury in recent weeks, also seems less dominant in the meantime.

Last season we saw Danny for long minutes not involved enough in attacks.

Do you want to see more dominance on offense this season?

. He will do a good job this year in his position and will continue to move forward and fulfill the hopes we have pinned on him. "

Back to the draft night

Back one year back, to November 19, 2020, the eve of the historic draft.

Abdia in general was supposed to be selected in a higher place and the leading estimates ranged from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors or Chicago Bulls to absorb him.

The professionals in Washington, who held the No. 9 pick, did not at all think the player would remain vacant until a donor arrived to pick.

Abdia, vs. Toronto, Photo: USA TODAY SPORTS

"He was fifth on our list and we did not think he would be available in the ninth pick," Shepherd admits.

It was a wonderful moment, we were excited and we are happy that it worked out. "

When you imagine Abdia as a whole and mature actor in his frame - what kind of actor do you see?

"Someone who wants to win every night, IQ high basketball and a strong player who fits the physicality of the NBA. We want him to be a player who makes his friends better, and for that he needs to keep getting better and developing his game."

Danny Abdia.

The sky is the limit for him, Photo: Twitter

In Israel, people always ask if Danny can be an All-Star (to be included in a game that brings together the 24 biggest stars in the world).

What is your answer to this question?

"The sky is the limit for him. He has an amazing work ethic and patience, and for me he can go as far as possible."

Meanwhile, after its first loss of the season (104: 90 to the Nets), Washington will host Boston tonight (2:30 p.m., Wednesday through Thursday) for a tough battle.