Chicago Bulls: Realistic 2020 NBA Draft targets with superstar potential

4. Deni Avdija, Forward

A commonly discussed overseas prospect that has a high ceiling, if he rounds out his game in the near future, is the Maccabi Tel Aviv 19-year-old 6-foot-9 forward Deni Avdija. Spending the better part of the last two seasons (prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic) with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, Avdija excelled in certain areas that should allow him to translate in just a couple years to standout in the NBA.

In the last two seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Avdija played in 34 games while averaging 11.6 points per 36 minutes, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.9 steals, while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc. While the shooting percentages for Avdija were down last season, his natural shooting stroke should allow him to improve that stat line.

Efficient ball handling, good two-way skill set, and a versatile offensive arsenal will allow Avdija to have a high ceiling through multiple strengths in his game in the NBA. He’s got good enough agility and size to be a solid perimeter defender. Most wings or two-guards won’t have the same length and will have similar straight line speed to that of Avdija.

Most of all, his offensive game is strong enough between his fundamental shooting stroke, solid passing ability, and versatile shot selection and creation, that he can thrive in the modern NBA. He’s the type of prospect that could fit into a smaller role at the next level while he develops his game and has a very high ceiling once he reaches his prime.