Possible Nugget target returns to school

Mar 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward James Michael McAdoo (43) shoots in the second half of the game against the Villanova Wildcats during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Sprint Center. North Carolina won 78-71. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina Tar Heels sophomore forward James Michael McAdoo announced Tuesday that he will return to school for his junior season. The 6’9 prospect averaged 14.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during his sophomore campaign.

ESPN’s Chad Ford said McAdoo’s stock was once as high as a top-5 pick but said his lack of an offensive game and high turnover rate has since scared off scouts.

You may be wondering: how does this affect the Nuggets?

Well, it’s one less forward they could have added that had the ability to drop down into Denver’s selection range. McAdoo is a bit of a “tweener” playing more like a power forward in a small forward’s body. This season with the Tar Heels, McAdoo even played a bit of the 5-spot as UNC looked to outpace teams with a small lineup.

In his first official mock draft, Ford had McAdoo going to the Nuggets [Insider] with pick No. 27.