6. Atlanta Hawks – Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Atlanta Hawks should be looking for help on the wing. They appear to be set in the frontcourt with John Collins and Clint Capela and have a true leader in Trae Young. Adding a player with the potential as Deni Avdija could make a true difference for this team over the next few years. He may not be a difference-maker from the moment he’s drafted but could be a key player for this team down the line.
Avdija is 6-foot-9 and has guard tendencies; essentially, he’s a prototypical new-age forward for where the NBA is moving toward. Avdija didn’t have a major role with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague this past season, but he’s coming off an impressive showing in the Israeli League, becoming the youngest MVP in history.
Avdija is an intrgiuing player and is set to become the first Israeli player to be selected in the NBA Draft Lottery; he might need a year or two to find his role with the Hawks but could quickly become a key part of this team’s core.