8. Charlotte Hornets – Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Charlotte Hornets are one of the most difficult teams to project when it comes to the NBA Draft, and they’ve proven that time and time again, but I have a feeling that they’d be willing to take a shot at selecting one of the most high-risk, high-reward players late in the top 10. The player that falls into that category is Deni Avdija.
Avdija is known as a versatile do-it-all type of prospect, but also one that will take some time to develop no matter where he lands. Avdija has some trouble at times creating his own offense (and streaky shooting) but is interestingly a great playmaker. That’s one of this strongest skills.
He’s a good defender and with his size could actually develop into a versatile one for whichever team selects him. Selecting Avdija isn’t a move that will pay off initially, but instead might not until a few years down the line.
Still, snagging a talent like Avdija at No. 8 is almost too good to pass up.