Deni Advija Scouting Report 2020
Main Scouting Report
Deni Avdija is the premier foreign talent in the draft, along with Killian Hayes, after putting up amazing numbers in the professional league in Israel. The 19-year-old Israeli will be a top 10 pick in the draft this year because of his amazing playmaking ability from the forward position. Avdija is a poor man’s Luka Doncic in terms of playstyle. He is always in control of the pace of the game, and can always put himself in a position to make the right pass or shot for the team.
Avdija is a tantalizing prospect because of his ability to excel in a professional league at a high level as a teenager. He was not as productive as Doncic and did not face the same level of competition, but the similarities are there.
Strengths
Avdija is very versatile due to his size at 6’9 and the ability to handle the ball and run the offense through him. He can operate both parts of the pick and roll but thrives as the ball-handler because he can create so well for the shooters around him. His size makes him a complete mismatch on the offensive end because he is too fast for traditional bigs and too big for guards.
Advija has a full package of dribble moves similar to Kyrie Irving in a 6’9 frame, allowing him to easily create his own shots over defenders including side step and stepback shots. Also, he has a complete post-game, including a fadeaway jumper and a consistent hook over both shoulders. He will abuse guards if they try to sneak a smaller player on Avdija.
Weaknesses
Advija is a good defender because of his speed and size but needs to get much stronger before he can defend big men in the NBA. He will be a 4 and won’t have to guard too many people inside, but that mismatch could be taken advantage of easily by NBA teams. Also, he has a below-average wingspan, which will hurt him on the boards and his interior defense as well.
Advija lacks elite athleticism that makes a great isolation player, so his dribbling moves might not be as effective in the NBA, but his change of pace is elite and should be able to create his own jump shot with ease. Also, Advija was an inconsistent shooter from 3, and will need to develop a consistent shot to add more versatility to his game.
NBA Player Comparison
The player that reminds me of Deni Advija is Hedo Turkoglu of the Orlando Magic, who played point forward for the great Magic teams of the 2000s. He could control the pace of the game and create constant mismatches on the offensive end for himself and others. Advija has the ability to be the ultimate playmaker and can be the main guy for a team for a long time.
Ratings Breakdown
Basketball IQ: 9
Advija is a gifted passer and an amazing playmaker as a forward.
Leadership: 8
Advija was a vocal player on the court as a teenager.
Athleticism: 7
Advija is quick but lacks elite end athleticism.
Upside: 9
Advija has the potential to be one of the best offensive point guards in the NBA as a 6’9 player.
Shooting: 7
Advija is a streaky shooter who can go cold at times, but has the mechanics to be a good shooter.
Passing: 9
Advija is one of the best passers in the draft as a forward.
Dribbling: 9
Advija is a gifted ball-handler who can be a lead guard for a team.
Rebounding: 7
Average rebounder for his height and position.
Hustle: 7
Advija was a consistent player but had lapses at times on defense.
Defense: 7
Advija is a good defender but needs to improve on the interior.
