Danny Avdija Drafted 23rd in Hypothetical NBA All-Star Draft
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Danny Avdija was selected 23rd overall in a hypothetical NBA franchise-building draft.
- Writer Sam Quinn picked Avdija, praising his value despite team management concerns.
- Writer Yossi Gozlan was surprised by the high pick and questioned Avdija's ceiling.
- The draft included top players like Wembanyama, Doncic, and Antetokounmpo.
NBA writers for the Third Apron Podcast recently conducted a theoretical draft to build a new franchise, selecting players from across the league. Sam Quinn chose Israeli player Danny Avdija with the 23rd overall pick. Quinn acknowledged that his selection might appear questionable in hindsight, particularly given the Portland Trail Blazers' recent decisions, which he described as "the most foolish offseason." He specifically criticized Portland's acquisition of Ja Morant, suggesting it overlooks Avdija's value as a 25-year-old All-Star on a favorable contract.
Quinn expressed frustration that Avdija, whom he considers the team's best player, might be underutilized while watching Morant play. He believes Portland's front office made a "ridiculous decision" and is concerned about how the situation will unfold, predicting it will look worse in a year. Quinn highlighted Avdija's potential for contract renegotiation and extension, offering significant value that Portland has not pursued.
Fellow writer Yossi Gozlan responded, stating he wouldn't have picked Avdija as high and was surprised by the selection. Gozlan finds it difficult to determine Avdija's ultimate potential, considering him a very good player who was crucial to the Blazers' wins last season. However, he feels Avdija may have reached his ceiling and that other younger players on his list possess greater developmental potential. Gozlan also questioned if Avdija could reach the level of some veteran players he ranked higher, admitting he might not be seeing Avdija's full capabilities.
The full draft order included top picks like Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dylan Harper, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, and Luka Doncic, with Avdija selected 23rd, just before Jalen Johnson and ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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