Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija is a good player but has flaws, making him nowhere near Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo: Sven Mandel, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

The Golden State Warriors have a decision to make, regardless if this would be on the second overall pick or trading down their selection. If James Wiseman is not worth getting at the no. 2 spots, the next candidate that the Dubs are reportedly high on is Deni Avdija.

But would it be wise to pick him over Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball, depending on who the Minnesota Timberwolves select at no. 1?

With the Dubs reportedly torn on whether to take in Wiseman, someone who could easily address their big man woes, Edwards or Avdija could be the logical choice. But of the two, there is no denying that Edwards has been seen as many as a talent that the Warriors or other teams would be foolish to give up.

   

Assuming they do pass up Edwards for Avdija, it would be a fit for their offensive needs. Hence, he could be a surprise pick at no. 2, something that may happen according to The Athletic. Though the Israeli teen wowed during his workout at Atlanta, some have compared him to Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

But in a discussion on the Locked On Hawks Podcast hosted by Brad Rowland and Brian Schroeder, Avdija may have some flaws in his game that most are not aware of. He is not the type of player who can create on offense. Though he has shown good ball-handling skills at forward, it may not translate in the NBA. Also, he is atrocious from the free-throw line. Rather than Doncic, he is best compared to 26-year-old Croatian player Dario Saric of the Phoenix Suns.

Given that additional information about Avdija, the Warriors may want to rethink their plans if they are to keep the second overall pick privilege. A plausible route is to trade down and get a player they need. The New York Knicks are aching to move up in the 2020 NBA Draft. Getting a big man like Mitchell Robinson would make sense for the Dubs plus the rights to the 8th overall pick.

At that spot, however, there is no assurance that Avdija would still be available. Other teams picking from 3 to 7 could take in the Maccabi Tel Aviv small forward. Hence, it all boils down to what the Warriors plan to do in the coming weeks before draft night.

For now, the Warriors need to decide on what to do with their second overall pick right. Edwards is tempting but someone who may not last long with Golden State. They still have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson around so playing time is suspect. Hence, if they cannot get the big man from the 2020 NBA Draft, checking out the ones that could be dangled via trade would be worth considering.