NBA Draft Spotlight: Neoklis Avdalas
As the focus on the upcoming NBA Draft intensifies, one name gaining traction among scouts and analysts is Neoklis Avdalas. A 19-year-old forward hailing from Greece, Avdalas plays for Panathinaikos and stands at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches, weighing 198 pounds. His combination of size and ability to facilitate plays puts him on the radar, although he faces scrutiny regarding his shooting accuracy and defensive capabilities.
Strengths and Skills
Avdalas is often likened to former NBA star Hedo Türkoğlu due to his skillset. His strengths lie primarily in his exceptional court vision, making him adept at initiating plays and assisting teammates, effectively allowing him to function as a point forward. His dribbling acumen is notable; he excels in driving to the basket, employing a variety of moves such as crossovers and spins to create scoring opportunities. His cutting ability further enhances his finishing prospects around the rim.
Areas for Improvement
However, there are notable areas for improvement. Defensively, Avdalas has had difficulty matching up against opponents in the Greek league, indicating a need to enhance his lateral quickness and agility. These skills will be crucial as he transitions to the faster pace of the NBA, where both on-ball and off-ball defensive responsibilities will become more demanding.
His shooting remains a significant concern as well. With a three-point shooting percentage of just 32.4% on catch-and-shoot attempts and 29.9% from dribble jumpers, Avdalas must develop this element of his game to become a more diverse offensive threat. His free-throw shooting, hovering around 70%, further suggests he may need to refine his mechanics, especially in harnessing the power in his legs during his shooting motion.
Conclusion
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Neoklis Avdalas exemplifies a high-upside player with the potential to contribute in multiple facets, but he will need to address these weaknesses to solidify his draft stock.
