Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Deni Avdija

The Atlanta Hawks are projected to receive the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. They will strongly consider Deni Avdija with that pick.

Today we’re taking a look at Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Deni Avdija. The Atlanta Hawks are currently projected to receive the fourth overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft which is right in the range that Avdija may get drafted. Mock drafts have Avdija basically anywhere from 3 to 8 and considering the volatility of this years draft, there’s really no knowing where he might land.

Deni Avdija is a 6’9 small forward from Israel. He’s a super long, very athletic wing that has received quite a lot of attention this past year. His ability to do a little of everything on the floor is what’s enticing for NBA teams.

According to proballers.com, Avdija played 21 games in Israel this season and he averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. While Avdija is still super raw, these are pretty impressive numbers considering the fact that he is playing against professionals at just 18 years of age.

As mentioned, Deni Avdija can do it all on the basketball court. He has the ability to space the floor, attack the basket, push the pace with his blazing speed and he can even orchestrate the offense as a secondary ball-handler. Not only is Avdija a gifted offensive talent, but he also has great defensive instincts and has the physical tools to be a really good defender in the NBA.

Deni Avdija being such a raw talent is what makes him so exciting for NBA teams. However, it also makes him somewhat of a risk.

At best, I think Deni Avdija could end up being a Gordan Hayward or Danilo Gallinari type of player. I think these comparisons work both in terms of his style of play and his potential. Like all draft prospects, it’s tough to project exactly how good Avdija is going to be. However, considering his raw talent and the fact that he played in Europe instead of college makes it even more difficult.

While Avdija does have a do-it-all type of game, he does have his fair share of flaws.

The biggest flaw in his game is the fact that he only shot 50.9 percent from the free-throw line. While his field goal and three-point percentages were impressive at 55.5 and 37.5 percent respectively, his free-throw percentage should be a red flag for NBA teams.

In terms of Avdija’s fit with the Atlanta Hawks, I think it would make a lot of sense.

If the Hawks would be comfortable sliding John Collins down to play center (which they should be), then a starting lineup consisting of Trae Young, Cam Reddish, Den Avdija, De’Andre Hunter and John Collins would be incredibly exciting. That lineup would be super switchable on defense and could shoot the lights out of the ball on offense.

If the Hawks want to go small and lean into being a run and gun, three-point shooting team, they should definitely consider Deni Avdija with there first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.