Washington Wizards Forward Deni Avdija Frustrated With Guard Jordan Poole?
The Washington Wizards have won three straight this NBA Preseason and new guard Jordan Poole is second in the association with 23.3 points per game scoring average.
So you'd think everybody was happy with what's going on around the Wizards.
But when Poole took a perimeter pass and turned it into a stepback three-point field goal with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter of a 131-106 win over the New York Knicks Wednesday night, forward Deni Avdija looked anything but happy about it.
READ MORE: Jordan Poole Off to Historic Start
At the time Washington was leading 60-50 and Poole's three gave the team a 13-point lead in the closing minute of the first half.
The bucket gave Poole the 27th points of 29 he scored in the first half and it was his third three-point bucket of the quarter.
As Poole maneuvers for the shot, Avdija raises his arms in the air in an attempt to get the guard's attention while calling for the ball.
Even as the guard's shot goes down, however, Avdija drops his arms and kicks his head back in a pout-like motion before lowering his head as he walks back downcourt to play defense.
The play was successful, the score was positive, and outside of Avdija's body language that sequence should be viewed as a good experience all around.
However, while many are looking at the behavior as frustration toward Poole, it may not be what it looks like on the surface.
Avdija was making his first start of the preseason and would conclude it with just two points while spending over 15 minutes on the floor.
He missed three of his four shot attempts including his lone three-point attempt of the second quarter.
Prior to this play Avdija committed a turnover and would commit a goaltending infraction at the end of the half.
READ MORE: Wizards Streak Extended to Three Games
All-in-all, it was not a great debut for Avdija and while his frustrations clearly appear aimed at his Wizards teammate, there is potential that we're misreading his body language.
Either way, it's the lone bad mark on an otherwise good night for Washington as it plans a final trip to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night before the regular season gets started next Wednesday.
Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82
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