Deni Avdija is one of the top international prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship MVP, Avdija is an accomplished player in his early professional career. In the 2019-20 season, Avdija averaged 9 PPG, 2 APG, 4.7 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, and 1.6 TOPG on shooting splits of 50/33/59 in 22 MPG across 59 games. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Deni Avdija
Height/Weight: 6’9/ 220
Wingspan/ standing reach: N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Forward
Country: Israel
Tools: Playmaking, defense
Pros:
- Great size for play style
- Quick first step
- Excellent transition passer
- Plus vision
- Good finisher at the rim
- Excellent defensive instincts
- High overall defensive upside
Cons:
- Must add strength
- Must speed up shot
- Not very explosive in the half-court
- Needs to improve the use of his left hand/ going left; right hand dominant
Overall:
Deni Avdija is a unique two-way playmaker with ideal size for a combo forward. For most of the draft process, Avdija had drawn significant concerns regarding his jump shot, but during the Coronavirus hiatus, he re-worked his jump shot to have significantly cleaner form. While he still needs to improve his shooting on the move and off the dribble, Avdija shows promise as a spot-up shooter.
Avdija is going to make his presence best known on the defensive end and as a secondary playmaker. As a playmaker, Avdija is a sufficient pick & roll ball-handler, which is unique for someone at his size. In order to utilize his ability to change direction at the next level, Avdija will need to continue developing his left hand. While he has the ability and skill to use his left hand effectively, he needs to polish his handle and continue to be more confident with his off-hand in tight situations, particularly dribbling in traffic and finishing at the rim. As a passer, Avdija is simply special for his size, both in the half-court and in transition. In a league that emphasizes run-n-gun offense in transition, Avdija is capable of grabbing a rebound and bringing the ball up the floor and efficiently leading a transition offense.
Defensively, Avdija has versatility in being able to guard both forward slots and even some guards. While he doesn’t have an extraordinary wingspan, he uses his body to his advantage, moves his feet well, and has elite instincts for someone his age. His instincts allow him to be a weak-side rim protector as well, which makes him have virtually no flaws on the defensive side of the floor.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Josh Jackson; Ceiling: Nicolas Batum
Projected draft range: 1-7
Best fits (ranked):
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Golden State Warriors
- Washington Wizards
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Shot chart:
