The Denver Nuggets had an interesting 2021-22 season. Led by back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver went 48-34 and secured the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Even so, injuries to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. left the roster incomplete and they were unable to truly compete for a title. Denver was ultimately knocked out by the Golden State Warriors in the opening round of the postseason.

There are sure to be larger expectations for the Nuggets next season. With the roster set to return to full health, Denver will be expected to make more noise. While most of the improvements will simply occur from Murray and Porter returning to the court, the organization will also set its sights on making upgrades. One of these targets will be in the 2022 NBA Draft in which the Nuggets hold the 21st overall pick.

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Best options for Nuggets with 21st pick in 2022 NBA Draft

Kendall Brown- Wing Baylor

An athletic wing who impresses on the defensive side of the ball, Kendall Brown would provide a needed burst of toughness to the Denver roster. Brown is a physically imposing athlete with a great vertical explosion. The Baylor product has a nice feel for backdoor cuts and is capable of regularly catching lobs. This would be a major asset considering the passing ability of Nikola Jokic and the importance of off-ball cutting in the Nuggets' offense.

The decisiveness Brown plays with is a major asset. He does not need the ball for long to be effective. This is a key factor to players being effective in a complementary role. While his overall ceiling may be limited shot creation and average shooting, it is tough to put a cap on his defensive potential. His 6-foot-8 frame, switchability, and energy would allow him to have an impact on the Nuggets right away. A duo of Kendall Brown and Aaron Gordon would also be a frightening matchup for opposing offenses.

Wendell Moore Jr.- Wing Duke

A versatile forward who gives great effort on both ends of the court, Wendell Moore Jr. was overshadowed by the massive amount of talent surrounding him at Duke. Moore was regarded highly coming out of high school but did not quite meet his expectations at Duke. The 6-foot-5 forward improved each season and averaged 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals this past season. He also increased his 3-point percentage to 41.3%. This was a massive area of improvement for Moore as he shot just 21.1% as a freshman and 30.1% in his sophomore year.

Due to his high pedigree in high school and style that may translate better in the NBA, there is a chance Moore ends up being a steal in this draft. The Duke product is a solid cutter and excels in transition. He is a capable ball handler and fits the model of a 3-and-D role player. The perception of Moore's draft stock is inconsistent. He is not a perfect prospect, but many teams seem to be overthinking what he brings to the table. Moore's size and skill set fit at the NBA level, and he will develop into a contributing player.

MarJon Beauchamp- Wing G League Ignite

Another enticing wing product, MarJon Beachamp is a bigger risk but also holds a larger potential. The 21-year-old is a former JUCO product who spent last season with the G League Ignite. He stands 6-foot-6 with an over 7-foot wingspan. Beauchamp has all the physical tools to excel at the NBA level and plays with good intensity.

Despite his struggles as a shooter, Beauchamp still finds ways to create offense. The Ignite product averaged 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 steals during his time in the G League. Most of his damage was done as a cutter as the wing shot 24.2% on 3-pointers and was 65% at the free-throw line. These shooting concerns may limit his ceiling, but there aren't any major mechanical concerns with his shot. His ability to create offense without a consistent jumper is admirable, though most of his production will be seen on the defensive end.

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While most of the impact players will be off the board at the 21st selection, there are plenty of guys who fit Denver's needs in this window. The Nuggets will be expected to take a massive leap forward as they return to full health, and adding a key rotational piece will help a great deal. Keep an eye on the plethora of wing players available in the late teens and early 20s. The cutting ability of these three prospects is the distinguishing quality that should appeal to Denver.