Denver Nuggets: Is DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell the next Torrey Craig?

The Denver Nuggets signed DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell to a two-way contract after he stood out in the 2018 Summer League. Could he be the next great Nuggets find?

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell impressed in Summer League action this year. In four games, he averaged 12.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in just 19.3 minutes per game. He showed great athleticism and ability to get to the rim, as well as a sweet stroke from three point range, sinking 50% of his shots from deep.

More from Nugg Love

• Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
• Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
• Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
• What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
• Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know

He also showed his high energy and motor, and his energy sometimes looked like that of Kenneth Faried at times. He looked like a player who could stick around in the NBA, and the Nuggets gave him a shot to do just that.

Akoon-Purcell went undrafted out of Illinois State University, and moved overseas to play in the Danish League for two seasons. He was named Danish League MVP and Finals MVP in his first season, averaging 20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He is 25 years old, so he still has room to improve, but knows what it takes to play professional basketball.

Nuggets fans remember Torrey Craig as last seasons Summer League standout. Craig averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in six games for the Nuggets 2017 Summer league squad. He impressed the Nuggets enough to earn himself a two-way contract, and averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 39 games for the Nuggets when called upon. He was also a stud defender, often being put on the opposing team’s best player, and doing a good job at limiting their impact on offense.

Craig was rewarded for his play, signing a two year, $4 million contract with Denver in the off season. He is also expected to take on a bigger role this season with the departure of Wilson Chandler, and should get more minutes as a backup small forward. If Akoon-Purcell follows Craig’s blueprint, he could be an impact player for Denver, as well as earn himself a big payday at the end of the season.

Akoon-Purcell has the potential to have a Craig like impact. On a two-way contract, Akoon-Purcell can refine his skills in the G-League, and then be prepared to play good basketball when called up to the NBA level.

Akoon-Purcell is a good all-around player, as evidenced by his scoring output and his steals output, and with the right opportunity and playing time, could be the Nuggets next great find.