Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Profile: Deni Avdija
By Zach Lung
Deni Avdija NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Profile: Strengths
Deni Avdija has the tools to do everything a team could ever want on a basketball court.
At 6-foot-9 and 210 pounds, he has the physical profile of a strong wing defender. Avdija effectively uses his size and length to deflect passes and defend the rim. Avdija is also a smart defender who should be a capable shot blocker at any professional level.
Offensively, Deni Avdija’s star shines even brighter. He is an above-average ball-handler, especially for his size, and is very capable of running a high-level offense. Avdija’s vision is remarkable, possessing passing skills that have become synonymous with European prospects. He is also an excellent shot creator who has learned to score at all three levels.
The true barometer of Avdija’s potential has been on full display twice: at the 2018 and 2019 FIBA U20 European Championships.
In 2018, a 17-year-old Deni Avdija proudly represented his nation of Israel en route to the country’s first gold medal. Avdija was named to the tournament’s All-Star five, averaging over 12 points and six rebounds per game. However, Avdija was just getting warmed up for the real show.
All eyes were on Deni Avdija as the defending champions had the opportunity to host the 2019 edition of the U20 tournament. It was a moment that basketball fans in Israel will not seen forget.
Avdija was dominant throughout, including a spectacular 23-point performance in the gold medal match to secure Israel their second championship victory in a row. Avdija finished the tournament averaging 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game. The young prospect had carried the weight of his entire nation on his shoulders and had come through with a gold medal and MVP honors to his name.
An Israeli legend was born and comparisons to other European superstars, including Luka Doncic, were quick to follow.