The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most successful NBA franchises at drafting in the last decade, a reputation that has endured across multiple general manager tenures.
Nikola Jokic is the crown gem, of course, as the most accomplished second-round pick in league history. But the roster is littered with picks that have aged like wine.
Jamal Murray has turned out to be one of the best players from the 2016 class. Michael Porter Jr. was a risk worth taking at No. 14 in 2018. And since Tim Connelly passed the torch to Calvin Booth, Denver has discovered above-average results in late first-rounders Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.
RELATED: Renck vs. Keeler: If Nuggets can’t trade out of pick No. 28, which NBA draft prospect should they take in the first round?
That will be the challenge again this year — a challenge that feels more vital than ever, with the salary cap looming over the Nuggets’ championship window. They possess the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, which begins with the first round Wednesday (6 p.m. MT, ESPN). They’ll select 56th overall Thursday in the second round.
Booth has a reputation for valuing more experienced college players, a trend that colors the list of potential draft targets detailed below. In a weak class, the 56th pick probably won’t amount to much more than a two-way contract. So No. 28 is the one that matters.
The Nuggets aren’t likely to trade out of the draft for a player using that pick. If that proves to be the case, pressure is on to nail the pick. Here are 10 names to watch:
DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II (15) dunks against Nevada during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Isaac Hale)
No other prospect has been linked to Denver as much as Holmes, a 6-foot-9 small-ball center who can stretch the floor. Whether or not the Nuggets made a promise to him is unclear, but he’s unlikely to be available at No. 28 regardless. It’s believed that Connelly and the Timberwolves (conveniently, the No. 27 pick) will be among the teams to show interest in Holmes before the Nuggets. But if he is on the board still, he should at least be one of the players Denver considers. Holmes led college basketball in scoring as a roll man last season, dramatically improved his 3-point shooting (38.6%) and continued development as an above-the-rim threat. The Nuggets could benefit from a shot-blocker and dunker at backup five. His measurements for a center are valid worries, however.
Jaylon Tyson, California
California guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes to the basket as Utah’s Deivon Smith, left, and Gabe Madsen defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
If the Nuggets want more driving in their offense, particularly from their bench, then Tyson makes perfect sense at No. 28. After transferring from …read more
Source:: The Denver Post – Sports
