Danny Avdija Ranked 23rd in Hypothetical NBA Draft

NBA writers Yossi Gozlan, Sam Quinn, and John Gonzales of the Third Apron Podcast conducted a theoretical draft to build a new NBA franchise, selecting players based on their potential. Sam Quinn selected Israeli player Danny Avdija as the 23rd overall pick. Quinn acknowledged that Avdija's team had a "foolish offseason" but expressed confidence in Avdija, calling him a 25-year-old All-Star on a great contract. Quinn criticized the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to acquire Ja Morant, stating that the "best player on the team isn't even in the picture" and that they are "wasting him" by having him watch Morant play. Quinn believes Avdija represents immense value, especially with his contract, and that he is willing to work on renegotiating and extending it to create salary cap space, something he feels Portland has not done.

Yossi Gozlan responded, unsure if he would have picked Avdija so high, suggesting that his current level might be his ceiling. However, Gozlan conceded that Avdija is a very good player who was a significant factor in the Blazers' wins last year. He feels Avdija is a good player who could potentially be a top-20 player, but he sees more development potential in other younger players on his list and is uncertain if Avdija will reach the level of some veteran players. The full draft order included Victor Wembanyama at first overall, followed by Cooper Flagg, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and other notable NBA stars.