The Denver Nuggets had an unfortunate season this year. What seemed like a chance to make it to the NBA Finals turned into disappointment after losing Jamal Murray to an ACL injury last April. Before that, this Nuggets team seemed to have all the pieces to win the Western Conference and possibly even the championship this season.
They lost to the healthy Phoenix Suns in four games and have an interesting off-season ahead. Do they find a way to fill in their guard spot as Murray continues to rehab? Do they trade their draft pick and perhaps find a package for a piece that can help reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon? Or they can also find a prospect in this year’s draft that can help them next season.
The Nuggets are picking 26th in this year’s NBA Draft. Here are some interesting candidates they can look at.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Earl is projected to go in the late 20s range in this year’s draft. If the Nuggets do get to snag the forward from Villanova, they’ll have a versatile defender who can provide interior scoring and a little playmaking. Earl was named a 2019 McDonald’s All-American and was ranked number 14 in ESPN.com’s Class of 2019.
During his last couple of games of his college years at Villanova, Earl averaged 15.7 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. One skill that O’Connor pointed out about Earl is his ability to cut and be an off-ball player who can get behind the arc and knock down three-pointers. Gordon’s cutting abilities worked well for the Nuggets and the more threats like him to be around Jokic, the better.
Ayo Dosunmu
If Dosunmu doesn’t get picked by teams before the Nuggets then Denver should select the guard from Illinois. Dosunmu is a ball-handler who can control his team’s offense and make accurate passes. He averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds a game in college basketball. Dosunmu is also known for his off-ball defense and ability to perform in the clutch
Isaiah Jackson
If the Nuggets want to aim for a front-court rookie, they should look at Jackson. He’s an athletic shot-blocking 6’10 player who does his damage best on the inside. He can play well with Jokic, an incredible big man passer because Jackson has a high ability of finishing lobs. He averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game in Kentucky and was known for his ability to rebound the ball as well.
As mentioned above, the Nuggets have an interesting offseason ahead. From the draft to free agency, it’s going to be intriguing to watch how they build around Jokic. Murray’s absence will clearly be felt but given how they performed this season, Denver can still remain in the playoff race to start off this season.
The Nuggets have made great draft picks in the past — just look at Jokic (who was picked 41st) and Murray. But they’re no longer rebuilding this time around. The Nuggets’ title window is now and the next few years so whatever they choose to do with this draft pick will definitely impact that.
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