Feb, 8 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard John Jenkins (23) celebrates with guard Kendren Johnson (2) during a time out against the Louisiana State Tigers during the second half at Memorial Gym. The Commodores beat the Tigers 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

The Denver Nuggets don’t really have any glaring needs going into the offseason, but if there was one it would be shooting the ball (and also defending the perimeter).

The Nuggets were the third worst 3-point shooting team in the playoffs and were tied for 23rd during the regular season. Their best statistical shooters from behind the arc last season were Arron Afflalo at .398 percent and Ty Lawson at .365. However, neither one of the two is considered a dangerous shooter.

Enter John Jenkins, who one of the most underrated players in the NBA Draft. Jenkins is a prolific scorer, with insanely  deep range. He has one of the quickest releases in basketball and can get his shot off over just about anybody. He also has good enough ballhandling skills to set up his own shot.

However, where he is going to be special at the next level is his ability as a spot up shooter. He has a super quick release and can get his shot off with great fundamentals given even the slightest bit of room. He also mirrors Ray Allen and Rip Hamilton with his relentless ability to work off screens and finding open spots on the floor.

It’s fair to say he was the best shooter in college basketball (edging out Kentucky’s Doron Lamb). Jenkins shot over .40 percent during each of his three seasons at Vanderbilt and raised his game each year, finishing his career with a 19.9 points average during his junior year. He barely misses from the charity stripe, too, and at a workout back in May, Jenkins nailed 12 of 15 shots from NBA range.

Some scouts may worry how Jenkins will matchup against larger defenders in the NBA, but at Vanderbilt he had to get creative to score the ball since he was the focal point of the defense – which would sometimes throw two to three defenders at him.

Jenkins also is not tall, listed at 6-foot-4, but he has a 6-8 wingspan. He is also more athletic than most people give him credit. His max vertical leap was right on par with top prospect Michael Kidd Gilchrist.

The best comparison for him at the next level is JJ Redick and Anthony Morrow, but if he ends up with the Nuggets he may be the best shooter George Karl has had since Wesley Person.

It also doesn’t hurt that Jenkins is a fan of Corey Brewer, Denver’s energy player off the bench, from his days back in Florida.

Of course the question is where do the Nuggets draft Jenkins? They could draft him with the 20th pick, which may too high for a player that will just be a shooter at the next level. Or they can hope he slides to 38th. They also could use both their second round picks (38th and 50th) and try to get another late first round pick. The Chicago Bulls (29th) and Golden State (30th) each would be two teams willing to trade their late picks. The Bulls are the more likely, since there are talks that they aren’t going to pick up CJ Watson’s player option and they are also expected to part ways with Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. Trading out of the first round would also help cut costs.

Jenkins isn’t going to lift the Nuggets over the top, but he’d fit a need on a squad that doesn’t have many.

Mar 10, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard John Jenkins (23) gestures after making a shot in the second half of their game against the Mississippi Rebels in the third round of the 2012 SEC Tournament at the New Orleans Arena. Vanderbilt won, 65-53. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

The Denver Nuggets didn’t wait long to start scouting for the NBA Draft.

Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reported that the Nuggets brought in NBA prospects Terrence Ross, John Jenkins and Kyle Weems in for a workout on Wednesday.

Ross and Jenkins are the two intriguing prospects, both are projected to go in the first round and both brings assets that the Nuggets value and need.

March 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Terrence Ross (31) during a stoppage in play against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Ross, who was a sophomore, is quickly moving up the NBA board and may not be around when the Nuggets draft with the 20th pick.

He has great size for the 2-guard (6-foot-7, 197 pounds), brings a lot of athleticism and can really shoot the ball (.457 percent from the field, .371 from 3-point line and .776 from charity stripe). He even told Hochman that he’s comparable to JR Smith due to his athleticism and ability to shoot the ball. But he is no Smith, he’s far more consistent, longer and better on defense.

Ross is also a very good rebounder and has the length and mobility to be a force on defense in the NBA. He brings a lot of confidence to the floor and really over came adversity after playing for a very dysfunctional Washington team. Some scouts believe if he played for another squad his stock would be much higher.

Ross has been compared to Eddie Jones, DeMar DeRozan and Caron Butler.

It’s highly unlikely he’ll be around when Denver drafts, he may not even make it past the 15th pick. But if the Nuggets like what they see they should definitely move up to get Ross.

Mar 15, 2012; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard John Jenkins (23) attempts a shot while defended by Harvard Crimson guard Christian Webster (15) during the second half in the second round of the 2012 NCAA men

Unlike Ross, Jenkins should be around when the Nuggets draft. He doesn’t really have a very well-rounded game, but does one thing well and that is shoot the ball.

Jenkins, who left college as a junior,  finished his college career shooting over 40 percent from behind the 3-point line and he did it consistently. He also is almost automatic from the charity stripe too. He has shown good ball-handling skills, which helps him free up some space by pulling up for a jumper.

He has good size, but isn’t a very good defender due to his athletic ability and foot speed.

People have compared his game to JJ Redick, but Anthony Morrow is another name that is very comparable to him.

Jenkins also had some big games in college, scoring 17 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to help Vanderbilt beat Kentucky to win the SEC title. Getting the better end of Doron Lamb, who had only 11 points.

Jenkins doesn’t have a great ceiling, but there are very few shooters that are as good as him in the NBA.

March 5, 2011; St, Louis, MO USA; Missouri State Bears forward Kyle Weems (34) reacts after scoring against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half of the semifinals of the 2011 MVC tournament at the Scottrade Center. Missouri State defeated Creighton 60-50. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

First off, Weems is not Sonny Weems brother. Already looked that one up. And Weems is not a sexy prospect. He will be 23 before next season starts, he is better in the post than on the perimeter and doesn’t really have good ballhandling skills.

He is extremely stocky (6-foot-7, 232 pounds) and is good rebounder (7.2 a game) and is a very efficient scorer (15.6 points). His game is really meant for the post, because he lacks the quickness to defend on the perimeter nor the ball-handling skills on the offensive end. Some scouts compare him to Jared Dudley.