NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 1.0
41. . WING / MACCABI TEL AVIV. Golden State Warriors. Deni Avdija. 4. player
The Warriors are expected to explore trades involving this pick, but if they do keep it, Wiseman is a clear favorite. If Golden State can’t get a hold of the top-rated center, however, Deni Avdija makes a lot of sense.
Avdija has found his groove with Maccabi Tel Aviv this season. At 6-foot-8, he’s a talented playmaker, a crafty scorer, and a mostly solid defender. He will inevitably draw comparisons to Luka Doncic, but those are unfounded. He’s not on the same planet. It’s better to appreciate Avdija for what he is.
At full capacity, the Golden State offense is a buzzsaw. A secondary playmaking role next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is a comfortable home for Avdija, where he won’t have too big a burden too early. He’s not a great shooter, but his mechanics project well and Golden State generates plenty of open looks.