Wizards select Deni Avdija with No. 9 pick in NBA draft

The Washington Wizards have selected Israeli forward Deni Avdija with the No. 9 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old was named the youngest MVP in Israeli Premier League history last season, averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. While his statistics in EuroLeague play were less consistent, Avdija has impressed scouts with his playmaking abilities and finesse.

With the pick, Avdija becomes the highest-drafted Israeli and Jewish player in NBA history.

"(Any) time you can make history or any kind of good thing to represent the Jewish community and the state of Israel, that's an honor for me," he told reporters in September. "I'm just going to try to do the best I can to make everybody proud."

Bio

Position: SF/PF
Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 225 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Standing reach: 8-foot-10

Strengths

• Big, versatile playmaker and shot creator
• Highly effective on both ends of pick-and-roll, good finisher
• Solid lateral quickness, excelling at both primary and help defense
• Confidence and high basketball IQ

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve both perimeter and foul shooting
• Overreliance on dominant right hand; as a result, rarely drives left