Deni Avdija

Draft Notes

Deni Avdija projects as a top 10 draft pick with a chance to go in the top 5 on October 16th, 2020. He’ll almost certainly be the top international prospect off the board.

Strengths

Deni has an intriguing skill set with his ability to handle the ball, stroke the 3pt shot and score in the half court and he plays an all around game.

He has a decent physical build and is very quick up and down the court. He’s an aggressive transition player and a really good passer, especially on the move and his feel for the game and competitive fire are just what you look for in a young prospect.

His shooting has been a bit maligned and he’s not yet consistent enough but he’s got a nice looking shot and is shooting the ball with a lot of confidence.

As a 6-8 3pt shooter he doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off and he’s got a smooth, quick and just about picture perfect release. He can get his own shot off the step back and his combination of driving and shooting leaves the defense helpless.

Shooting might not be a strength at this point but the promise is there and I buy his shot, in the long term.

Another big strength for Deni is his passing ability, which reminds a little bit of Luka Doncic. He’s a quick slasher who draws the defense and can light opposing teams up with his passes. He’s not really a primary ball-handler type of player but he can create offense for himself and others.

Weaknesses

Deni is a poor FT shooter and has really struggled from the line throughout his young career. This doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in his overall shooting – and it’s especially concerning for a player who’s at his best with the ball in his hands, as he could be a liability at the end of games.

On defense he’s purely a wing, lacking the strength and power to guard in the paint and lacking top end agility to stay with guards. He gives good effort and seems to know team concepts and when to help defend but don’t expect him to make any all defensive teams. His less than ideal +1 wingspan doesn’t help.

His outside shooting needs to get a lot more consistent.

Comparisons

• Mike Miller
• Danny Granger
• Hedo Turkoglu
• Doncic-lite

Draft Projection

top 7 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

2020 Small Forwards

1. Deni Avdija – 6-8 – Israel
2. Patrick Williams – 6-8 – Florida State
3. Issac Okoro – 6-6 – Auburn 
4. Saddiq Bey – 6-8 – Villanova
5. Aaron Nesmith – 6-6 – Vanderbilt
6. Tyler Bey – 6-7 – Colorado
7. Jaden McDaniels – 6-10 – Washington
8. Leandro Bolmaro – 6-7 – Argentina
9. Robert Woodard II – 6-7 – Miss. St.
10. Jordan Nwora – 6-8 – Louisville
11. Josh Hall – 6-9 – Moravian Prep
12. Lamine Diane – 6-7 – Cal St. Northridge
13. Kahlil Whitney – 6-7 – USA