He doesn’t really appear to have the typical defender mentality; his intensity level can wax and wane. However, in the next season, he dropped to 27.7% from three while only increasing his attempts per game by half a shot. The speed deficit could be magnified versus NBA competition. Kevin Love may be a good player, but it sure is tough to fit pieces around him. Also, it will add to the versatility that he already possesses.Next, just like his three-point shooting, Avdija shot awfully from the free-throw line in his second year compared to his first. However, this pickiness in shots leads to good looks that are makable for him. I’m more bullish on this. As he has played overseas for a fair amount of time and from such a young age, the tendencies and work ethics of the veterans around him have rubbed off on Avdija. In this one, basically anything goes after LaMelo.Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on Sir Charles in Charge and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more.Your privacy is safe with us. The last time I wrote about Deni Avdija, I mentioned that his jumper was his biggest question mark heading into the 2020 NBA draft. Something else that appeals to me is how Deni has already had extensive experience playing a variety of roles: ball-dominant in FIBA play (2019 U20 Euros in particular), “3-and-D” for Maccabi.Not only does this offer hope for a smoother transition to the NBA, but it also shows what Deni Avdija could potentially bring to any team that drafts him. Israeli-born Deni Avdija is the biggest-name international prospect in this year's NBA Draft and he's accomplished that title by playing an American-style game. 2020 NBA Draft: Why Deni Avdija is ‘Elton John’ and ‘as good of a bet as you can get’ with one of the top picks. He went from getting DNPs/single-digit minute outings to being a key fixture in the rotation as the EuroLeague season moved on. An example that comes to mind is Jayson Tatum; who had concerns about his defense coming out of Duke, but found himself in an ideal situation in Boston and is now viewed by some analysts as close to all-league caliber on that end.If Deni turns out to be a stiff in this respect, however, then suddenly his allure as a prospect is greatly diminished. In a higher-usage role with the Israeli junior national team, Avdija showed some glimpses of hitting jumpers off-screens and pull-ups stepping to his right.He’ll never be a 40 percent-guy in all likelihood, but I have confidence that Deni Avdija will shoot with enough volume to be at least an adequate floor-spacer in the NBA.Putting all of this together, how will Deni’s career unfold in the league?

Even in this deflated role, Deni’s play-making chops were quite apparent.

He is a primary facilitator and playmaker from teammates. Defensive toughness, determination on the glass, and of course-swagger. It can cause his man to get past him, forcing him to draw a foul to prevent an easy shot. And he’d still probably be a fringe all-star caliber player in these outcomes. Many have pointed to his alarming free-throw numbers (57.7% on 392 attempts across all levels of organized play dating back to 2017) as an indicator that he’ll never be a respectable 3-point shooter in the league. A player who can be a playmaker and versatile defender, and perhaps just as importantly, a role player. The league is trending in a direction where power forwards without positional versatility are obsolete. With his driving ability being another strength, when he goes towards the basket, he more times than not finds the open teammate. We'll never pass along your email address to spammers, scammers, or the like.Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices.Powered by Minute Media © 2020 All Rights Reserved.Los Angeles Lakers may need to trust the untrustworthy during the bubbleLA Clippers: The restart bubble will awaken a sleeping giant

He is very selective with his shots almost to a fault. As previously mentioned, Avdija has played overseas since he was only sixteen. Even though he’ll slither past defenders with his right hand (his left needs a lot of work) from time to time, the pure explosiveness off-the-dribble isn’t there.

Deni seems to enjoy getting touches down low – doing a mix of mashing, dishing and fading (away for jumpers).This possession above encapsulates why his versatility is so valuable, he immediately shape-shifts from a threat in the post to a spot-up shooter. Official DBB Big Board: Pistons select Deni Avdija for injection of swagger, playmaking at No. First, his three-point shooting continues to be a mystery. Avdija is one of the few players in the 2019-2020 draft class that has played overseas and has spent time around and playing with professionals. To begin his Euroleague career, Avdija shot fifty percent from three on 1.3 attempts per game. Just consider this analysis from ESPN's Jonathan Givony: "Avdija … In a normal draft, I’d be comfortable taking him in the 6-10 range. He is extremely versatile as well. It’s usually wise to bet on guys with his talent/basketball acumen figuring it out.

While Deni’s lateral quickness is far from elite, he’s light enough on his feet to stay with many ball-handlers.This lack of horizontal speed means that he’ll never be an individual stopper who pressures and disrupts opponents into turnovers, but only a small handful of guys in the NBA fit that description. He only averages 3.6 field goals attempted over his two-year career. A critical thing to keep in mind is the demand for wings across the league. First, in regards to his efficiency.