Deni Avdija - 2020 draft

[UcanUwill]

Any reasoning for this?

Or just baseless gut feeling?

Is there any part of his game that stands out of him having greater potential than Euroleague player? I dont see any.

First and foremost his passing and playmaking ability which to me is the highlight of his game.

His athletic ability for his size being able to run the floor, or lead the break at 6'9 - you hardly see that in the league let alone the Euroleague.

His ball handling and decision making for his size.

His basketball IQ and feel (Can see that in how easily he improved as a defensive playerin his first real year at the pro level with a real defensive coach to guide him)

Where are those Euroleague players? Just turning 19?

I think the relatively high level he does all-around things and the foundation he has combined with his work ethic will make him a good player in the leauge. I don't think he'll be a star - but to peg him as a potential Euroleague player down the line is silly to me(no offense)

I just do not trust these third string Euros most of the time. Same exact thing was said about Bender and Hezonja - oh, they can do that, that and that, they dont really do it on the court, but they can do that... When you talk about Avdija, there is no reason he is so unproductive in Euroleague, unless you greatly overrate his skills based on wishful thinking more than anything.

[EMG518]

Is there any part of his game that stands out of him having greater potential than Euroleague player? I dont see any.

First and foremost his passing and playmaking ability which to me is the highlight of his game.

His athletic ability for his size being able to run the floor, or lead the break at 6'9 - you hardly see that in the league let alone the Euroleague.

His ball handling and decision making for his size.

His basketball IQ and feel (Can see that in how easily he improved as a defensive playerin his first real year at the pro level with a real defensive coach to guide him)

Where are those Euroleague players? Just turning 19?

I think the relatively high level he does all-around things and the foundation he has combined with his work ethic will make him a good player in the leauge. I don't think he'll be a star - but to peg him as a potential Euroleague player down the line is silly to me(no offense)

I just do not trust these third string Euros most of the time. Same exact thing was said about Bender and Hezonja - oh, they can do that, that and that, they dont really do it on the court, but they can do that... When you talk about Avdija, there is no reason he is so unproductive in Euroleague, unless you greatly overrate his skills based on wishful thinking more than anything.

That's fair, I understand where you are coming from. I did not like Bender but I did like Hezonja coming into the draft. If you just look at the numbers there isn't much to differentiate them. I personally think Avdija is different, coming from someone whom learned from Hezonja. Is he going to be a star, not unless he learns to get to the line more and his shot becomes better but he is someone whom can play in the league and bring value to a team. The athleticism at his size mixed with his skill set currently will translate in my opinion.

[No-Man]

He is being really facetious or just plainly ignorant, not sure what's better

[clyde21]

I'd say his defense is better than Musa's. Seems more unselfish/better passer than Musa as well, Musa seemed to have the blinders on sometimes imo. IIRC Musa wasn't very efficient for Cedevita until his last season either.

I thought Musa would be doing better in the NBA compared to where he is right now, though it's still very early days for him. I do still think he's still on track to be a handy NBA player. I think I had Musa late lottery in his draft, or maybe just outside it? I liked him considerably.

But to me, from what I've seen, and I've only seen certain videos to this point - Ajdiva seems to fit into a role better, will play better D, has a better physical profile to finish with, has some interior/post-up ability and can handle small-ball 4 minutes. That's why I like him more.

i think that's fair, Deni def has a better physical profile than Musa, better build, stronger, less wasted movements. i think that's the underlying difference between them at this point to me.

[CoreyVillains]

I watched Musa courtside at a LI Nets game courtside and I just don’t see it. He was quicker than most G Leaguers but probably not quick enough at the NBA level. He was super skinny so he really struggled with contact and his handle is really loose. I don’t think comparing Deni and Musa is very fair.

[Pistol King]

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[getrichordie]

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Defense and 3+D potential + driving ability is why I have him top-6 on my big board.

[Draft2020]

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[Bob8]

Deni Avdija has a very big potential to be next bust from Europe, if he's drafted near the top. He cannot shoot and his athleticism might be good for Europe but is nothing special for Nba.

[Stillwater]

Deni Avdija has a very big potential to be next bust from Europe, if he's drafted near the top. He cannot shoot and his athleticism might be good for Europe but is nothing special for Nba.

I tend to agree, I mean his transition game is good but not great, his handle is bad his shooting is meh his finishing is meh , so despite the obvious bb iq being pro bound , everything else screams end of rotation overrated in a weak draft prospect.

[clyde21]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

[getrichordie]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

I've always looked at Avdija as a 4. Wasn't aware he was considered for the 3 spot at the next level. I see him being the next Gallinari but a bit better defensively.

[popfan]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

Yes. I'm no fan of associating a draftee with a former NBA player. Yet I cannot help but see similarities between Deni Avdija and Detlef Schrempf. Nearly the same height. Similar athleticism & stroke. They cut to the basket similarly too. Detlef was a fine player -- greater than Dirk IMO -- who was a solid anchor for the Sonics.

Don't see the Warriors using #1 on an anchor unless of course everyone in the lottery looks like sand. My guess is that the Warriors will hunt for a shark.

[clyde21]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

I've always looked at Avdija as a 4. Wasn't aware he was considered for the 3 spot at the next level. I see him being the next Gallinari but a bit better defensively.

a lot of people are talking about him as a wing, he's listed as a SF on tankathon for example, he's better prospect as a combo forward instead of a true wing

[getrichordie]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

I've always looked at Avdija as a 4. Wasn't aware he was considered for the 3 spot at the next level. I see him being the next Gallinari but a bit better defensively.

a lot of people are talking about him as a wing, he's listed as a SF on tankathon for example, he's better prospect as a combo forward instead of a true wing

Agreed. I think he can guard some 3s and 4s and can play at either forward spot. I don't really look at specific positions anymore. I just kind of see players as being a certain archetype and bringing certain skill sets to the game.

[Bob8]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

I've always looked at Avdija as a 4. Wasn't aware he was considered for the 3 spot at the next level. I see him being the next Gallinari but a bit better defensively.

Did you actually watch any live games of Avdija? Gallinari was much better prospect and Avdija will never be even remotely close to Gallinari as a scorer/shooter.

Galinari’s Euroleague stats, https://www.euroleague.net/competition/players/showplayer?pcode=KRD&seasoncode=E2007

Avdija’s Euroleague stats, https://www.euroleague.net/competition/players/showplayer?pcode=007675&seasoncode=E2019

Avdija is another Hezonja, Bender, Ntilikina...

[UcanUwill]

honestly I think he should be looked at more as a 4 or a combo forward depending on the lineup than just a SF, his weaknesses are negated a bit more if he slides up a position

I think he's a + athlete and a ++ playmaker as a 4 with some stretch potential, that should be his role in any closing lineups.

I've always looked at Avdija as a 4. Wasn't aware he was considered for the 3 spot at the next level. I see him being the next Gallinari but a bit better defensively.

Did you actually watch any live games of Avdija? Gallinari was much better prospect and Avdija will never be even remotely close to Gallinari as a scorer/shooter.

Galinari’s Euroleague stats, https://www.euroleague.net/competition/players/showplayer?pcode=KRD&seasoncode=E2007

Avdija’s Euroleague stats, https://www.euroleague.net/competition/players/showplayer?pcode=007675&seasoncode=E2019

Avdija is another Hezonja, Bender, Ntilikina...

Agree that Gallinari was way better scorer and prospect. I remember watching Gallo in Milan and he was already one of the more dynamic scorers in the entire league, talent was undeniable. Avdija could be faster Kyle Anderson I think if he pans out, but he is not averaging 15+ points in the NBA ever IMO.

[doordoor123]

While I like Avdija, I’m rethinking him as a player. He has some pretty big faults. I don’t think he’s a strong enough as a playmaker and scorer in the NBA. He has the feel for the game, but that alone isn’t going to make him great. He still can only go to one hand, he makes mistakes and doesn’t have one translatable trait. Seems like a three and D player with good hands the the next level. I also just don’t see the confidence you hope for right now. He might be more about earning money than actually being good. Not sure he loves the game or he might just be immature mentally. Think he spends time in the G-League. I’m not sure he should be a lottery pick. More like a pick in the 20s.

Not saying he isn’t good, I just think he has a lot to learn to be able to hang with NBA-Level players, let alone be a starter for an NBA team.

[Bob8]

There is another thing about Avdija. Maccabi was hit by injuries, so Avdija had golden opportunity to show his potential. But unfortunately he didn’t show almost anything. Why people believe he can play in Nba is beyond me.

[Draft2020]

Deni Avdija, the #5 prospect in the ESPN 100, has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, he announced on Get Up this morning:

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