Deni Avdija: Prospect Scouting: 2020 NBA Draft

Deni Avdija is probably the riskiest prospect in the draft. International players are always a risk, because the skill level is a lot different. In recent years, guys like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis have been draft gems. Avdija is a great risk, but he could turn out to be the next great forward in the NBA with his scoring and play-making ability.

Strengths

Deni Avdija is a 6-8 SF weighing 210 pounds. He has a sweet jumpshot and has the ability to score in the half court set. Avdija does not too much room on his jumpshot and could become a sharpshooter in the NBA.

Avdija has a great passing ability, like Luka Doncic. He is quick for his size and can get to the rack, and he gives his teammates great opportunities.

He is not a great defender. He is not big or strong enough to guard down low, and he is not fast enough to guard out top, so he will be guarding wings. Avdija’s wingspan is only 6-9, so he is not gifted as a defender, but if he tries on defense, then he could be alright.

Avdija is a team player, doing whatever is needed to get the job done. Weather it is scoring, passing or rebounding, he will do it.

Weaknesses

Avdija is not a gifted athlete, and he is very strong, and it might be hard for him to score inside.

Avdija’s defense is still a question to ask, although I think he could be a pretty solid defender.

Avdija can be one sided at times, not using his left hand to attack. He will need to use his left hand more to be more of an offensive weapon.

Comparisons
Craftier Mike Miller
Danilo Gallinari w/ some sauce
Danny Granger

Where Will Avdija Go?

The earliest place Avdija could go is at pick 2, projected to go to the Cavs. The Cavs have their guards of the future in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. They don’t having any other scoring other than an aging Kevin Love and Andre Drummond. Both of these guys could be gone in the future. The Cavs need a SF who can score, and Avdija fits that mix. His shooting and play-making would help them a lot. Their defense would not be great, but I don’t think the Cavs care, as they are still rebuilding.

The next place Avdija could go is pick 4, projected to go to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The T-Wolves need a wing, but they might not want Avdija because of the defense. But, Avdija is a realistic choice as they could use Avdija as a 3rd option behind D’Angelo Russell and KAT. Avdija is again, a liability on defense, but again like the Cavs, they might just have to take that risk.

Another place Avdija might go is all the way at pick 8, projected to the Bulls. The Bulls have a decent starting lineup in place, with Coby White, Zach Lavine, Otto Porter Jr, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. Otto Porter has missed most of this season due to injury, and the Bulls might want to start Avdija in his place. But, Avdija might be a bench guy who scores for the Bulls, a role that fits him perfectly. He could be like a floor general, scoring and passing and making his team better.

My Prediction

Avdija is a unique prospect with all the right tools to become a great player in the NBA. The best place for Avdija to go would be either the Bulls to the Cavs, just because he would not have to score a lot because there are other play-makers there, and he would just help with scoring. The only reason why Avdija would fall is because of teams not wanting to take a risk, or because of Avdija’s defense. But, Deni Avdija could become the sleeper pick in the lottery in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Please leave a comment on where you think Deni Avdija will go in the draft, and which other players would you like me to breakdown?