Nuggets Made The Grade
The Denver Nuggets had arguably their most successful draft since drafting Carmelo Anthony in 2003. The 2011 draft even has surpassed the 2009 draft in which they stole Ty Lawson from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here is some quick like tidbits that experts said about the Nuggets picks:
- (Hamilton) doesn’t fit with the Nuggets’ roster that is heavy at the position, but could be traded into something that does if need be. -Amick
- Hamilton is a natural scorer with a lot of potential in this area, though he doesn’t figure to get a lot of playing time next year unless Wilson Chandler leaves. -FoxSports
- Faried, who is easily the best rebounder in the draft and could be the eventual successor to Chris “Birdman” Andersen. -FoxSports
- Hamilton gives Denver flexibility with Wilson Chandler’s free agency. -Pro Basketball Draft
And here is what they said overall about the Nuggets draft and how they graded the Nuggets:
Analysis: The Nuggets had a busy night. Not only did they trade Raymond Felton for Andre Miller, but they ended up with three draft picks.
I won’t factor the Felton/Miller trade into their draft grade. (I’ll let John Hollinger pick that one apart.) But I love Faried. He has great energy and can really rebound the ball. Faried probably won’t be a star — he may not even be a starter. But given his relentless enthusiasm for playing defense, it’s hard to see how he doesn’t stick in the league.
Hamilton is a bit harder to fathom. I like the value. But on a team with Danilo Gallinari and most likely Wilson Chandler, a restricted free agent this summer, I’m not sure how he ever gets into a game. As for Maduabum … he’s a big-time project.
Sam Amick (CNNSi): B+
The Nuggets had a need for another rugged rebounder and defender, and they filled it with Moorehead State’s Kenneth Faried (No. 22). He is expected to be a longtime pro who cleans the glass in ways that few guys can, but his ceiling doesn’t go far beyond that. They weren’t alone in their interest here, as Portland was also very high on Faried at No. 21 but opted for Duke guard Nolan Smith.
Small forward Jordan Hamilton (No. 26 via Dallas), meanwhile, is a case of prioritizing the talent and acquiring a decent asset. He doesn’t fit with the Nuggets’ roster that is heavy at the position, but could be traded into something that does if need be.
Fox Sports (and NBADraft.net): B
Raymond Felton wasn’t really needed in Denver, as the Nuggets already had a quality point guard from North Carolina in Ty Lawson on the roster. They managed to get some talent in return for Felton, receiving the expiring contract of Miller and the rights to Texas sharpshooter Hamilton from the Blazers. Hamilton is a natural scorer with a lot of potential in this area, though he doesn’t figure to get a lot of playing time next year unless Wilson Chandler leaves. The Nuggets also picked up Faried, who is easily the best rebounder in the draft and could be the eventual successor to Chris “Birdman” Andersen. Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri drafted countryman Maduabum, who has the nickname “Chu Chu” which makes him worthy of being drafted, alone.
CBS Sports: Nuggets was one of the winners
Raymond Felton got flipped for Andre Miller‘s non-guaranteed expiring contract and Jordan Hamilton, one of the steals of the draft who inexplicably fell. This for a guard the Nuggets didn’t want in the first place. Oh, yeah, and they nabbed Kenneth Faried, who perfectly fits their needs and is a great value pick where they took him. Masai Ujiri is better than you.
Pro Basketball Draft: A-
Analysis: Loved what the Nuggets did. Already loaded with young talent the Nuggets went out and grabbed Faried who is an instant rotation guy. Hamilton gives Denver flexibility with Wilson Chandler’s free agency. Hamilton was a great pick up at the juncture of the draft. Chukwudiebere Maduabum is a project.
TheHoopsReport: Drafting Faried (B) and drafting Hamilton (A)
22. DENVER – Kenneth Faried – B
The Nuggets add another tough-minded big man in Kenneth Faried. He will be a good addition to their frontcourt and should see some immediate minutes off the bench.
26. DENVER – Jordan Hamilton – A
Just like the pick above, to get a talent like Jordan Hamilton at No. 26 is amazing. The Nuggets need a lot of help on the wings and Hamilton could become a star.