Report: Warriors are Avdija's preferred team in NBA draft

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Any NBA draft prospect would love to come into the league and play alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The Warriors, of course, present a more appealing option than heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers or Detroit Pistons.

Deni Avdija reportedly agrees with that assessment.

The Israeli forward reportedly wowed the Warriors in a pre-draft workout. The Athletic's Ethan Strauss reported Tuesday that the Warriors, along with the Pistons, Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks are the teams who have spoken with Avdija. But Strauss reports that the Warriors are his "rumored preference."

It's obvious to see why the Warriors, who are expected to vault back into NBA title contention next season and have one of the league's best cultures, would be a more ideal fit than heading to Detroit or Cleveland to face grueling winters and a lot of losses.

Avdija's NBA draft stock has been rising over the past few weeks. The Warriors currently sit in a key spot with the No. 2 overall pick. Golden State has played the pre-draft process perfectly, sending out signals that they are interested or have been impressed by a number of prospects, including Avdija, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and Obi Toppin.

While consensus opinion has the Warriors selecting Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick, Avdija certainly can't be discounted, especially if the Warriors end up trading down the draft board.

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Avdija is a talented playmaker with a high basketball IQ. At 6-foot-9, 210 pounds, Avdija is a versatile forward with the ability to defend multiple positions and create in transition. While his playmaking ability is his most desirable trait, his athleticism should not be discounted. Avdija has a tremendous feel for the game which allows him to create offense both with the ball in his hands and working off the ball as he is a skilled cutter.

There are questions surrounding Avdija's jump shot and whether or not he can improve his 3-point shooting ability. He shot just 27.7 percent from three in 26 EuroLeague games, which could give some teams pause, especially those selecting at the top of the draft.

Avdija has a high floor, but it's unclear just how high his ceiling is.

The Warriors have an opportunity to add a piece who can contribute to a title run this year while also becoming one of the next faces of the franchise. It's an opportunity they can't afford to miss on.

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