1. Deni Avdija – Israel
It feels weird to call Deni Avdija underrated since he’s likely going to be a top-5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but I still feel like he isn’t getting enough love from NBA fans. According to most mock drafts, Avdija is sitting somewhere in the 3-7 range, but I don’t understand why he isn’t being looked at as a potential first or second overall pick. He’s freakishly good.
Avdija’s box score stats aren’t that impressive, but he passes every eye test. There are some conflicting reports about the specifics of his height (most places say between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-9), but it doesn’t matter all that much. He’s definitely able to play on the wing or as a stretch-four in today’s game. He also has a unique ability to get out in transition, finish around the rim, find open cutters, shoot the ball from deep (his numbers aren’t great but his shot looks smooth) and simply get creative on offense. Not to mention he’s been playing professional basketball against grown men, a much tougher task than playing collegiately in the United States.
The Bulls will have to get some lottery luck if they want to have a chance at Avdija, but I’m crossing my fingers. He would be the perfect addition to this young and evolving Bulls squad.