Deni Avdija wears Orioles jersey of first Israeli-born MLB Draftee originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Deni Avdija made his country proud when he became the highest-ever drafted Israeli NBA player and continues to be a source of national pride as a forward for the Washington Wizards.
When the Wizards selected Avdija ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, he joined Omri Casspi (No. 23 overall in 2009) as the only Israelis ever drafted in the first round.
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The 20-year-old gave a nod to a fellow countryman that accomplished a similar feat on Saturday ahead of Washington’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Donning No. 64 of MLB player -- and current Oriole -- Dean Kremer’s threads, the ‘Wizraeli’ gave a shoutout to his home nation. Kremer became the first Israeli ever drafted by an MLB team when the San Diego Padres nabbed him in the 38th round in 2015.
In 51 games so far this season, Avdija has found his rhythm in the Wizards’ frontcourt, posting season-highs in points, rebounds, and minutes per game during the month of April.
On Kremer’s end, the righty has made two appearances for the Orioles thus far this season in what looks to be Kremer’s break-out year in the majors.
