The Denver Nuggets made a trade to acquire the 30th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. They sent JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 30th pick and two future second-round picks.
Denver is looking to retool their roster around back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets' second and third-best players in, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., both missed significant time this season.
Getting them back healthy will be a crucial part of Denver making a deep playoff run. Back in the 2020 season, the Nuggets made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Adding quality depth around Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. could help them make a deep playoff run.
While the 30th overall pick likely won't yield a star, they could get a solid role player. Bringing more youth to the team is valuable, especially to surrounding stars. For example, the Lakers took the approach of surrounding their big three with mostly veterans this season and didn't make the playoffs. In contrast, the Golden State Warriors built their team with a good mixture of veterans and young players around their stars, which helped them make it to the NBA Finals.
Denver could nab a good young role player in the draft to help contribute right away. With that said, here are the three best options for the Nuggets with the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
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Nuggets Draft Options
3. Guard Bryce McGowens
Bryce McGowens could be a solid option for Denver as they look to improve their depth. McGowens is an athletic guard with the physical tools to be an impact player at the next level. While he will need some time to develop, he is worth drafting at this spot.
McGowens is a great scorer and can be a solid defender. He is excellent at scoring in a motion offense as a slashing wing. Being able to score on or off the ball would make him a great fit around Jokic, who thrives at finding his teammates.
His ability to finish at the rim will allow him to have some success as a rookie. Although McGowens can have some impact in his rookie campaign, he will need to become a consistent shooter and be a more disciplined defender. If Denver is willing to wait and develop McGowens, he could be a solid draft selection.
2. Forward MarJon Beauchamp
MarJon Beauchamp would be a great pick for Denver if he falls to 30. Beauchamp played 12 games for the G-League Ignite, showcasing his defensive skillset and scoring potential.
He averaged 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His defense can make an impact immediately, but his shooting could take time to develop.
Beauchamp shot 57.1 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from three. The Nuggets can utilize his NBA-ready defense while he fine-tunes the rest of his game.
1. Guard Andrew Nembhard
Nuggets guard Monte Morris has been in trade rumors, and dealing him would love a spot open at backup point guard. Andrew Nembhard has been linked to Denver and is a solid all-around guard.
He averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from behind the arc.
Nembhard may be considered a reach, but he would be an excellent fit for the Nuggets. He can run the offense off the bench, providing stability at backup point guard over the next few seasons.
Denver has a shot to add quality depth after trading for the 30th overall pick. While this player may need time to develop, drafting well can help Jokic and the Nuggets make a deep playoff run.
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