Mar 17, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Royce White (30) pressures Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half in the third round of the 2012 NCAA men

The Denver Nuggets are in a prime situation at getting a nice role player in the draft and according to SI’s Sam Amick the Nuggets are looking at versatile forward Royce White with the 20th pick.

White has been labeled as the next Anthony Mason (who finished his career playing for George Karl in Milwaukee) as a power forward that has great size, speed and passing skills. The sophomore forward showed off his talents in the NCAA tournament, helping Iowa State top Connecticut and then following that up with a 23-point, nine-rebound and four-assist performance in a 87-71 loss to Kentucky.

White is a great rebounder, but his biggest asset is his ball-handling skills and his ability to find his teammates. He does have a solid mid-range game, but needs to develop a more consistent jump shot. One knock on him is his anxiety disorder and his fear of flying. He also was kicked off of Minnesota’s basketball team. At 21, he may not have as much upside as some other draft prospects but he would play a key role for a playoff team. Similar to what Boris Diaw does for San Antonio.

Another player that is on the Nuggets radar is sharpshooter John Jenkins, who has already worked out for Denver and is scheduled to work out for the Nuggets again.

For the Denver Nuggets to have a shot in the playoffs, Ty Lawson needs to play his best ball.

With a week left in the regular season the Denver Nuggets still are battling for a playoff spot and seeking a higher seed in the NBA playoffs.

Currently the Nuggets, who are 34-28, hold the 7th seed in the West and are a game behind the Dallas Mavericks and a game and a half ahead of the Phoenix Suns – who they face Saturday at the U.S. Airways Center.

Denver would need to win three of its final four games and Dallas to lose both of its final two games to get the 6th seed. However, winning two games would at least guarantee a playoff spot for the Nuggets.

The playoffs spots are far from set, but Denver would have to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round. The Nuggets have been competitive with Western’s Big 4, but they haven’t been too successful with just a 3-10 record. (more…)