By Achilleas Mavrodontis/ info@eurohoops.net
Former EuroLeague and EuroCup champion David Blatt commented on Deni Avdija and Aleksej Pokusevski, two Europeans that were selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft and two players he’s well acquainted with.
Blatt, who was head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2016, worked with Pokusevski in 2018-2019 when he coached Olympiacos while monitoring Avdija’s progress with Maccabi Tel Aviv. The latter was now selected by the Washington Wizards with the ninth overall pick while Pokusevski went to the Oklahoma City Thunder via trade with the Minesotta Timberwolves who had the 17th overall pick.
“I’m very happy for both young men,” Blatt said in a statement to Eurohoops. “It’s great to see hard work pay off. Deni [Avdija] has a chance to play right away and I believe he’s ready. [Aleksej] Poku is such a special story and I am excited to see him continue to grow and develop his enormous potential. Personally I root and cheer for both! Also a good word to the Olympiacos organization and staff on the great contribution to Aleksej’s development and the environment they gave him to help him develop and grow. Bravo to all.”