That’s right people the Denver Nuggets at least for right now have a first round pick in the NBA Draft.

Of course that could change over the next month. But until than, the Nuggets have the 22nd pick in what could be considered one of the worst drafts in recent history. Some of the better freshman, Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes and Perry and Terrence Jones (no relation), have each dropped out due to the imposing NBA lockout. So the talent pole remains very slim.

And due to the dearth amount of talent in the draft the Nuggets likely won’t find a player that would contribute anytime soon and the only need they really could fill through the draft is a third point guard. But for a pick so late, their best option is to draft the best available talent or trade the pick for a better talent, and here are a few players the Nuggets may consider:

• TOBIAS HARRIS, 6-8 223, Tennessee, Forward, 18 years old (19 in July), Freshman
  NBA Comparison: Kris Humphries, Ryan Gomes, Shane Battier, Glen Rice (don’t ask me, ask NBADraft.net)
  Harris is slated to go to the Nuggets in both Chad Ford’s Mock Draft and NBADraft.net’s Mock Draft, but considering his age and basketball IQ he is undoubtedly rising in the draft and there are rumors that he will soon be a lottery lock. Harris’s game is slightly underrated, he has great size, an adequate scorer and has potential to be a top of the line defender at the next level.
  He is similar to Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Smith, only less athletic but with a better basketball IQ. Offensively, he is a better player than Smith. He can bring the ball up the court and is good driving to the basket. With his length he can be a mismatch at either forward position. The only downside is he is a below average shooter (not as bad as Smith), but he does have an awkward release and doesn’t have a lot of lift (if at all) on his jump shot. Defensively, he will be valuable due to size and versatility. Harris could be a starter in the League, but not next season. (more…)

Nene is a hot commodity, but can he do better than the Nuggets?

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The Denver Nuggets season may be done, but there still remains some chatter about some of the Nuggets players and their availability.

Among the more talked about players have been center Nene and reserve guards Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith.

Nene, who recently said he’d opt out of his contract due to  issues with the Nuggets organization, may be one of the more sought after players in free agency next season.

The Brazilian big man has been linked to many teams from all over the League, including recently knocked out Boston Celtics, championship-contending Miami heat, Nuggets’ division rivals Portland Trailblazers, the always great San Antonio Spurs – as well as the surprise playoff team the Philadelphia 76ers.

BOSTON – Nene is on the Celtics fans wish list, but is a long shot to join the boys in green due to his pricing. And as most fans do, some Boston fans have overvalued their own team – suggesting that the two teams work out a one-sided trade where the Celtics get J.R. Smith and Nene and the Nuggets get reserve big man Glen ‘Big Baby Davis, restricted free agent Jeff Green, rookie guard Avery Bradley and a first round draft pick.  Nene to Celtics is intriguing, but not likely.

HOUSTON – The Rockets have been eager for Nene’s services since before the trade deadline and he’d fill the inkling hole in Houston’s frontcourt. Of course, the main question remains can Houston pay Nene more money than the Nuggets? If the Rockets do land Nene, what do they do with Yao Ming? And if it comes down to a sign-and-trade, would the Rockets offer Kevin Martin?

MIAMI – Nene has been linked to the Heat since the trade deadline and they may be his top choice when/if he hits the free agent market. However, the problem remains is that the Heat can’t pay Nene the money he wants and therefore a sign-and-trade would have to be worked out between the two squads. And the only logical player (since neither LeBron James nor Dwayne Wade is getting traded) is Chris Bosh to get the veteran big man. Bosh would be a Nuggets’ fans dream pick up, but again that is a long shot since it would a step sideways for the Heat. (more…)