OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija’s strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
His top skill is his playmaking ability for his position and size. Couple that with the fact he’ll be turning 20 in January and already has an extremely high basketball IQ.
In virtually every aspect of an offensive playset, he’s demonstrated the ability to make the right call. To wit, he already checks off the box for being able to create his own shot whether that be working in the paint, creating off the dribble, or functioning in pick and roll.
Unlike his counterparts, Avdija has been playing professionally for years. Although he’s not projected to be as talented as Luka Doncic there is the undeniable factor of that experience and playing against professionals which makes for an easier transition to the NBA.
In spite of not being fleet of feet, he moves well laterally making him an above-average defender.
Another top skillset is his willingness to work hard and his commitment to being a great teammate.
light. Related Story. Deni Avdija zoom media session highlights
Weaknesses:
Inconsistency has ravaged the youngster’s shot the past two seasons. The concern was his low free throw shooting and his efficiency drop off from the perimeter. In his media zoom session he spoke about the free throw shooting stating he would be willing to take 3,000 practice shots every day until he got his free throw efficiency over 70 percent. Likewise, he said his perimeter shot improved when his coach and team let him know they trusted him to take the shot which helped him to gain confidence.
Overall his shot is streaky and he needs to work on his movement and shot taking off the ball but the fact he’s such a strong playmaker helps compensate for these areas.
He’ll also need to add some grit to his paint game given he tends to shy away from contact. If he develops his left hand it will also help.
He’s not the best rebounder for his position but the potential is there for him to improve and despite having an identical wingspan to his height he positions himself well and intelligently for steals and blocks.