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Nuggets NBA Draft Guide

By Matan Halzel

Sep 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly answers questions during a press conference during the media day at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly answers questions during a press conference during the media day at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

#1 First Round Pick Option: Zach Collins (PF/C), Gonzaga

The Nuggets first round pick will be very telling as to what the team’s off season plans are, but most Nuggets fans are hoping that Zach Collins will still be on the board come pick No. 13. If he is still available when the Nuggets are on the clock, he will without a doubt be the best player available.

The PF/C from the 2017 NCAA runner-ups, Gonzaga, fits the Nuggets defensive scheme perfectly. Collins is an elite defender and is without question the most complete big man in this draft class.

Offensively, Collins has a nice touch around the rim with above-average passing skills and a solid mid-range game.

One of the Nuggets top priorities should be finding a rim protector who can hide Nikola Jokic’s defensive deficiencies, while being able to play seamlessly with the Serbian big man on the offensive end.

If the Nuggets decide to pass on the 7-footer, it surely means that they have big plans in this summer’s free agency (Enter: Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap, Kevin Love, Serge Ibaka or Kristaps Porzingis).