Israeli league MVP and top draft prospect Deni Avdija prefers to be selected by the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming draft, according to Ethan Strauss of The Athletic.
The draft is scheduled for Nov. 18 and Avdija is projected to be drafted anywhere from second to fifth overall. The Warriors own the No. 2 pick.
Avdija is a 6-foot-9 forward and recently conducted in-person workouts for both the Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, per reports. Strauss reported earlier this month that the Warriors were thoroughly impressed by Avdija’s performance.
“Not only did Avdija perform well in the workouts, but Warriors officials were blown away after meeting with him,” wrote Ethan Strauss of The Athletic. “The universal takeaway was that he’s a ‘great kid’ with an immense work ethic.”
Avdija is 6-foot-9 and plays both forward spots. He averaged 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 28 games this season with Maccabi Tel Aviv on his way to Winner League MVP honors.
NBADraft.net compared Avdija to former NBA forward Hedo Turkoglu.
“All around talented wing with great size … Versatile, he can play from shooting guard to power forward … Great feel for the game … He possesses a high basketball I.Q … Very competitive, not afraid of the big stage … Jack of all trades, he can do just about everything on the floor,” NBADraft.net wrote of Avdija.
Per Strauss, the Cleveland Cavaliers (selecting fifth), Atlanta Hawks (sixth) and Detroit Pistons (seventh) also have a strong interest in Avdija.
