New Orleans Pelicans: Best Draft Prospects In the Virtual Combine

A trade-up target and intriguing option on the wing with superstar potential

Deni Avdija / Wing / Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

A fascinating player, to say the least, adding Deni Avdija to the New Orleans Pelicans would be an interesting experiment. Avdija is arguably the most hyped-up international player in the 2020 NBA Draft and I can understand the interest. He’s could be a target if the team decides to trade up.

When looking at Avdija, I see a 6’9″ wing who does it all on offense. At certain times he’s played the role of primary ball-handler, while sometimes he’s asked to be an off-ball shooter and play power forward.

Avdija only averaged 19 minutes a game overseas but he put up 8 points 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game during his limited minutes in shorter overseas play. The eye test shows that Avdija has an excellent feel for the game especially when playmaking and scoring around the rim.

His numbers in Israel were raw but Avdija is rapidly improving. During the Virtual Combine, Avdija put those improvements on full display with a stronger frame, tighter handle, and clean shot. If Avdija steps up his defense and maintains clean shooting mechanics he can shine in the NBA.

A lot of people compare Avdija to Luka Doncic but I think he’s similar to Gordon Hayward during his time with the Utah Jazz. The Pelicans’ interest in Avdija shows that the organization might go outside the box and draft a wing who’s a versatile weapon, not a plain 3-and-D player.