NBA Comparison: Deni Avdija

Strengths: Tall, long-armed wing with impressive positional size and fluidity… Handles the ball with confidence and control, showing above-average ball-handling for a player his size… Playmaking wing… Smooth facilitator, who plays with pace and change of direction, especially in Pick-and-Roll and isolation situations… Creative passer with a good feel for the game — can find the weak side, make advanced reads, and deliver the ball with either hand on the move… Excellent vision in transition and a consistent threat to push after a rebound or turnover … Plays unselfishly and can function as a secondary or even primary creator in spurts… Solid in Catch-and-Shoot situations with good mechanics — has become a reliable spot-up shooter … Improved as a pull-up shooter, now showing range that extends comfortably beyond the three-point lin … Shows scoring flashes in a variety of ways: attacking closeouts, floaters, and off-the-dribble jumpers … Moves well without the ball, cuts decisively and understands spacing … Very good in transition — runs the floor hard and can finish coast-to-coast… Defensively versatile — can guard 1 through 3 and occasionally light 4s … Uses his size, length, and lateral movement to stay in front and contest shots effectively… Has shown flashes as a shot blocker from the weakside… Can make an occasional chase down block… Doesn’t shy away from defensive challenges and brings good energy on that end … High IQ player with a professional background and strong developmental trajectory.

Weaknesses: Still developing physically — lacks upper body strength and can struggle to finish through contact … Not yet consistent at taking advantage of mismatches in the post … Can be thrown off his rhythm by physical defenders and needs to improve his core strength … First step is solid but not explosive — lacks elite burst to create separation against top defenders… Tends to settle for contested mid-range jumpers rather than forcing the issue and getting downhill … Streaky shooter from beyond the arc — numbers are decent, but on relatively low volume … Not always confident letting it fly — can hesitate in Catch-and-Shoot opportunities… Can disappear for stretches — has games where his impact fades due to inconsistency or passivity… Rebounding numbers are modest considering his size — could contribute more on the glass, especially on the defensive end … Stronger wings or forwards can post him up and create problems defensively … Still learning how to impose his will on a game consistently — has the tools, but not always assertive.

Overall; One of the more intriguing international prospects in the 2025 draft class … Avdalas offers a rare combination of size, feel, and playmaking from the wing position … His ability to handle the ball, operate in the pick-and-roll, and pass on the move gives him a legitimate secondary creator upside … Continued development of his frame, confidence, and shooting volume will be critical for reaching his ceiling … Already logging high-level pro experience in Greece, and his steady improvement trajectory bodes well for his long-term projection … With added strength and consistency, he could become a valuable modern NBA wing — one who can defend multiple positions, make plays for others, and knock down shots … A potential steal in the second round due to limited exposure or concerns about physicality, but clearly a name to track closely … Developing consistency and confidence will be the key …

Notes:  had an impressive showing at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, filling the stat sheet in a number of areas in the two games he played… Neoklis Avdalas measured 6′ 7.50” barefoot, 197.8 lbs, 6′ 9.00” wingspan, 8′ 8.50” standing reach with a 27.0 no step vertical and 33.5 maximum vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. … Measured: 6’6.25″, 8’9.25″ standing reach, 200 lbs, 6’7.5″ wingspan, 32.5″ max vert at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders … Measured: 6′ 8” with shoes, 212 lbs, 6′ 9” wingspan, 8′ 7.5” standing reach, 18.25 inch standing vert at the 2024 adidas Eurocamp …

Stefanos Makris 5/22/25