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Analysis: Nuggets’ Rookies in Vegas Summer League action

By Drew Albee

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jamal Murray (Kentucky) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jamal Murray (Kentucky) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the floor of the Pepsi Center before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the floor of the Pepsi Center before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Petr Cornelie: Next Second-Round Steal?

Tim Connelly and the Denver Nuggets’ stellar international scouting staff have done a wonderful job finding players from all over the world during their time with the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic and Joffrey Lauvergne were both second-round draft picks that the Nuggets have turned into quality NBA-players. French big man Petr Cornelie, the 53rd overall pick of June’s draft, may just be the staff’s next international steal.

Cornelie got off to a very slow start against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Friday, missing both of his shot attempts and picking up only six rebounds in 23 minutes.

However, in the Nuggets’ second Summer League game, Cornelie exploded for 19 points, seven rebounds and a block against the Memphis Grizzlies. Check out his highlights from the game in the tweet below.

Cornelie was seemingly everywhere for the Nuggets on the offensive end, shooting 7/11 from the floor, 1/2 from three-point range, drawing several fouls and collecting four offensive rebounds against Memphis on Saturday.

The 20-year old Frenchman came back down to earth on Monday against the Heat, scoring only six points on 3/10 shooting. He was able to snare nine rebounds, including five on offense and dish out a pair of assists.

In 24.3 minutes per game in Vegas, Cornelie is averaging 8.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists and one block. Like Juancho, Cornelie still needs to work on his body and interior defense, but has obvious skills that will translate to the NBA. The Nuggets will have to decide whether or not stash Cornelie in France for another season or two.

The question is not if, but when will we see Cornelie in a Nuggets uniform full-time?

Grade through three games: B

Cornelie has surprised me thus far. I was not expecting the French big man to be as good as he is already. He appears to know the game well and possesses a high basketball-I.Q. While he has struggled at times with his shot, he does have the ability to step out and hit the three — a coveted skill for a player with his 6’11” stature. Cornelie has shown flashes of his shot-blocking potential and is an interesting addition to Denver’s roster, but is probably at least a year away from contributing for the Nuggets.

Next: Malik Beasley

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