NBA Mock Draft 8.0: LaMelo Ball falls to Hornets; Bulls make a splash at No. 4

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NBA Draft prospect Deni Avdija (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

4. Chicago Bulls – Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv

With both the top guards off the board, I don’t expect the Chicago Bulls to reach for the next slate of guards that are certainly lower-rated than both Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Instead, I expect the Bulls to target one of the forwards. Ultimately, I have the Bulls selecting the one with the higher ceiling.

If you don’t know the name Deni Avdija, get to know him. He’s about to become a top 10 pick and there is plenty to like about his game and potential. Standing at 6-foot-9, Avdija is a 19-year-old versatile forward that will be able to play both forward positions in the NBA. Avdija didn’t play much for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague this past season but has garnered recognition for winning Tournament MVP for the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship.

During the tournament, Avdija averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, 2.4 blocks, and two steals per game while leading Israel to a Gold Medal. His transition to the NBA may take a few years, but if he finds his way to the right situation, there’s no question Deni Avdija can become a household name sooner rather than later in the NBA.