2. Deni Avdija, Shooting Guard/Forward
Now we turn the attention overseas to a prospect that should be high on the Bulls radar no matter what. With the gaping positional need that the Bulls have to fill wing depth and add another capable and consistent shooter and facilitator, a 2020 NBA Draft prospect such as Maccabi Tel Aviv 6-foot-7 shooting guard/small forward Deni Avdija should be a great fit.
Given his level of play overseas of late, even in the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Avdija is one of the few prospects that has a bona fide reason to see his draft stock significantly rise. He’s played in 26 games with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2019-20 season. He’s averaged 10.2 points per 36 minutes, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks.
Avdija did that while shooting 43.6 percent from the field, 27.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 55.6 percent from the free-throw line. Usually the shooting percentages and overall shot selection of Avdija is much more consistent. He shot 50.0 percent from beyond the arc during the 2018-19 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. That should at least be closer to the potential shooting numbers he could post in the NBA.
Strengths that Avdija will bring to the table in the NBA include just a solid raw playmaking and facilitating ability, good touch on his shout, great court vision, and smart off-ball defense. His length will also help him as a perimeter or wing defender. But he does need to put on some more size to contend with the stronger wings in the NBA, and there are concerns surrounding his overall athleticism and inconsistent shooting numbers overseas right now.