The Denver Nuggets stunned the world with a historic playoff run that saw them mount two 3-1 comebacks last postseason.
Yet, it’s rarely discussed that as impressive as the feat was, barely surviving the first two rounds is evidence of how much further away the Nuggets are from reaching the NBA Finals rather than how close they are. Yes, Denver was missing at least one starter throughout the entirety of the postseason but the Nuggets clearly need more talent on both ends of the floor.
There’s going to be a quick turnaround for Denver this offseason but their additions in free agency and the 2020 NBA Draft could be pivotal to the team’s immediate and foreseeable future.
Related: Full Denver Nuggets 2020 Salary Cap Preview
2020 NBA Draft Picks
| No. 22 overall |
Nuggets Draft Needs
Though there were a couple of veterans on the roster last season, the Nuggets are — for all intents and purposes — a young team. As a result, adding another young piece could extend or help maintain their championship window, allowing them to mimic franchises like the Golden State Warriors or the San Antonio Spurs.
That said, Denver’s lack of experience was problematic in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, with key players lacking necessary awareness and the team lacking players who were battle-tested.
It begs the question: do the Nuggets really need to add a rookie to their roster this offseason?
If Denver does try to draft a player that can provide immediate help rather than trading the pick or using it on a draft-and-stash product, there are a couple of interesting options for them in the back half of the first round. With the questions surrounding the free agencies of Jerami Grant and Paul Millsap, taking a power forward is the most practical option.
As the Nuggets were a middling team in terms of 3-point percentage last season, they could also look to add perimeter shooting.
2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist
| No. 22 overall |
| F Jaden McDaniels, Washington |
| C Aleksej Pokusevski, Olympiacos |
| PG Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama |
| F Tyler Bey, Colorado |
| SG Josh Green, Arizona |
What The Mocks Are Saying
| The Ringer | Zeke Nnaji (No. 22) |
| The Athletic | Josh Green (No. 22) |
| USA TODAY Sports | Josh Green (No. 22) |
| CBS Sports | Robert Woodard II (No. 22) |
| The Score | Josh Green (No. 22) |
Projected Roster
| PG | Jamal Murray |
| PG | Monte Morris |
| PG | P.J. Dozier |
| SG | Gary Harris |
| G-F | Will Barton |
| F | Michael Porter Jr. |
| F | Keita Bates-Diop |
| F | Vlatko Cancar |
| C | Nikola Jokic |
| C | Bol Bol |
