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.

Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen tweeted late Sunday that Nene and the Rockets will meet on Monday.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey and coach Kevin McHale to meet with Nene Monday, 2 persons w knowledge of meeting said. Nene is their top C target.

It’s highly unlikely that the Rockets will offer Nene the type of deal he wants. They don’t have the money to pay Nene the max and they are highly unlikely to offer him anything close to the max. And in order for Nene to get a five-year deal instead of a 4-year deal a sign-and-trade would have to be worked out with the Nuggets.

The Rockets do have some assets that may interest the Nuggets. Among them are young players like Patrick Patterson, Courtney Lee, Jordan Hill and Terrence Williams.

The New Jersey Nets are also expected to meet with Nene and could offer him the most money, which is the most likely situation in the Nene sweepstakes. The Indiana Pacers are also planning to talk to Nene.

The only real chance for Nene to return to Denver is if he is willing to sign a contract ranging around $10 million a season for five years. That fifth year is the only advantage the Nuggets have over the other teams, but they can also offer Nene a chance to play power forward, which is his natural position.  (more…)