The Nuggets are tangled up in a first-round battle with their Western Conference rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to the draft.
Denver has the 26th pick in the first round of the NBA draft, which is scheduled for July 29 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Meanwhile the rights to its second-round pick (No. 55 overall) now belongs to the Thunder after a series of trades.
The Nuggets have selected from the 26th position once. In 2000, they selected Auburn center Mamadou N’Diaye, who was traded to Toronto before every suiting up for Denver.
Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
Yahoo Sports | Krysten Peek | Updated May 24
Sharife Cooper, G, Auburn
“Cooper is a little undersized at 6-feet but the way he sees the floor and creates for the others is off the charts. He only played 12 games at Auburn due to eligibility issues but managed to record three double-doubles and had a season-high 14 assists in an overtime loss to Ole Miss late in the season.” .
CBS Sports | Kyle Boone | Updated May 19
Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois
“One of the most improved upperclassmen prospects in the class, Ayo Dosunmu improved his 3-point percentage from 29.6% to 38.6% while serving as the top option on a team that earned a No. 1 seed. He made significant developmental strides the last year. His scoring, playmaking and selfless style fit on a Denver team that needs backcourt depth and offensive firepower.” .
ESPN | Jonathan Givony | Updated May 22
Chris Duarte, G, Oregon
“Adding quality wing depth should be a priority for the Nuggets, who will likely be without Jamal Murray next season and will see several rotation players enter free agency. Duarte is one of the oldest players projected to be drafted and looks like a plug-and-play fit thanks to his strong perimeter shooting, passing and defensive playmaking instincts.” .
