NBA Draft: ESPN analyst says Warriors should consider Deni Avdija

The Golden State Warriors should consider going out of their comfort zone and look into selecting forward Deni Avdija if they lose out in the draft lottery.

Deni Avdija is a solid prospect. Coming over after playing in the Israeli league, Avdija has seen his stock soar, and he’s not the prototypical developed player the Golden State Warriors target, but he does seem like he could be the best fit.

ESPN’s Mike Schmitz noted that, given his versatility and his ability to play in a small-ball lineup with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the Warriors should consider Deni Avdija.

Avdija is quickly making his way up most draft boards, being labeled as a top-ten pick by most and even into some analysts’ top five. However, there are still a ton of questions regarding how his game will translate, but it’s promising to say the least.

After watching quite a bit of Avdija’s highlights, it’s clear he has the intelligence to play in the quicker NBA. He’s already a solid shooter and seems like he’d be able to slide into that solid rebounding power forward position.

According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the Dubs were one of the many teams that took a long look at the 6-foot-9, 19-year-old’s game while he finished up playing in Israel. While there, he averaged 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 22 games.

What should also be noted is that he shot 57% from the field and 39% from downtown. That’s the type of production you want to see, not a player like LaMelo Ball who shot under 38% in the Australian basketball league.

Much of the hype of Avdija may have been stirred up by the MVP-like performances from Luka Doncic. Just as Dragan Bender may have been helped by Kristaps Porzingis, the young, in control and smart forward could replicate Doncic’s style of player, just not as such a high level.

If that’s the ceiling, he’ll easily be taken wherever the Warriors are selecting but don’t expect Avdija to creep into the top-three prospects.