NBA Draft 2020: Top 5 International Players
The globalization of basketball has led to an increase in international players entering the NBA. Every year, several players from around the world make their way into this league.
Many of these international players have made a name for themselves.
Notable players such as Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis were drafted in the top five in their respective drafts. Both Doncic and Porzingis have made a name for themselves and are making NBA scouts consider drafting more international players.
This year, there are several international players that are going to get drafted in the first round.
Deni Avdija – Forward – Maccabi Tel Aviv
Avdija is the top international prospect in this year’s NBA draft. He is projected to be a top-five pick. Some scouts are guessing that Avdija could possibly the next Luka Doncic. Standing at 6 feet, 9 inches, Avdija has a great feel for the game. Avdija has a great handle for his size and is able to create for him and his teammates.
Avdija is one of the youngest players in the draft, winning the MVP award at the FIBA U20 European Championship at the age of 18. Advija’s young age in combination with his high basketball IQ will help him succeed in this league. The only big question is Avdija’s lack of experience.
Killian Hayes – PG – Ulm
Hayes provides a great size for his position. He has excellent court vision and is able to make some creative plays. With his international team ratiopharm Ulm he averaged 12.8 points per game and 6.2 assists.
He has a pure left-handed jumper, which has improved during his international career. He needs to work on his ball control with his right hand and he also needs to get stronger like many other prospects in this draft.
Aleksej Pokusevski – PF – Olympiacos B
Pokusevski might be the best seven-foot ball handler the league has ever scene. He plays like a guard, having a good control of his body. He runs the floor like a guard, and he has a shot like a guard.
He is able to play any position, which is impressive considering his height. The only question is his strength. He weighs only 190 pounds and needs to put on some weight.
Theo Maledon – PG – ASVEL
Another great international two-way point guard, Maledon is NBA ready especially after playing for Tony Parker’s team in France. Maledon can be easily compared to Frank Ntilikina from the New York Knicks.
Like the other top international players in this draft, Maldeon is a smart point guard and has a high basketball IQ. His two biggest weaknesses are his physicality and he is not the greatest athlete.
Leandro Bolmaro – SF – FC Barcelona
Bolmaro will be the only Argentina player in the league after getting drafted this year. Manu Ginobili was the last notable Argentina player who played in the NBA. He is projected to get drafted in the first round, which would be the first Argentina player to get selected in the first since 2003.
Bolmaro has exceptional speed and moves well for his size. When he played at FC Barcelona, he was the primary ball-handler. He has a high motor and doesn’t take a break with his intensity. If he can develop his shot, he will be a solid all-around player in the league.
Austin Groft is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at atg5271@psu.edu.
