While the league inches closer to the NBA Finals inside the Orlando Bubble, the Golden State Warriors are turning their attention to the draft. After landing the No. 2 overall selection in the NBA Draft Lottery, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr can officially map out their plan for draft day.
Before the Golden State Warriors hit the clock on Nov. 18, mock drafts are beginning to build predictions for what Myers and Kerr will do with the second overall pick. Along with wings Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, big men James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu have been popular selections for the Warriors in NBA mock drafts.
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In the first edition of The Ringer’s mock draft, Kevin O’Connor penned Israel’s Deni Avdija to the Warriors with the second pick. According to O’Connor, Avdija makes “logical sense” for the Warriors.
Via The Ringer:
Avdija makes logical sense as a highly experienced player who projects as a versatile 6-foot-9 forward with playmaking skills. Ideally, the Warriors would be able to trade down for him since two bigger-name prospects are still on the board.
View O’Connell’s complete mock draft here.
Despite only being 19-years-old, Avdija has built a resume filled with high caliber hoops experience. At age 16, Avdija signed a professional contract with international powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv.
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Over 26 games in the Israeli League, Avdija averaged 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one block per contest. Prior to entering his name in the NBA Draft, Avdija earned the honor of Most Valuable Player in the Israeli League for 2020.
Avdija added four points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 appearances in the EuroLeague for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
As he develops his long-range jumper, Avdija could bring some stability to Kerr’s second unit. With his ability to handle the ball and create, the 6-foot-9 forward could serve as a lead playmaking option with Eric Paschall off the bench in his rookie season.
If he lands in the Bay Area, Avdij could slide next to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to potentially form a potent small-ball lineup with versatile options at every label.
Golden State will have the next two months to continue doing homework on the 2020 draft class.
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