Analysis: Denver Nuggets Summer League Grades

6 of 10

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 = A-

The Nuggets incredibly talented international scouting staff may have unearthed yet another international gem in the second round. Following in the footsteps of Joffrey Lauvergne and Nikola Jokic, Petr Cornelie showed very well in Sin City.

The French big man started all five games next to Hernangomez down low and the two foreign big men were impressive. Check out this sweet dish from Fredette and Cornelie’s rowdy finish over a pair of Suns:

A fierce throw down by Petr Cornelie on ESPN2! #NBASummer https://t.co/4VdVVLNon8
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 16, 2016

Cornelie’s basketball-I.Q. stuck out throughout the week in Vegas, as he knew what to do better than a lot of other ultra-raw prospects do at this point in their career. Both of Cornelie’s parents played basketball at a high level, so his knowledge of and feel for the game is unsurprising. Cornelie moved around well on both offense and defense. He scored on numerous putbacks and rolled to the rim well on offense while averaging 1.2 blocks per game on the defensive end.

Cornelie did struggle a bit with his jumper in Vegas, but his prowess in an around the paint was a welcome sight.

Cornelie’s skill set is apparent and he certainly appears to be on his way to the NBA one day. At only 20 years old, Cornelie is still raw and he needs to develop his body a bit, but the Nuggets may have yet another talented foreign big man to add to their frontcourt bumper crop.

Next: Axel Toupane

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