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Can the Denver Nuggets get a steal in the 2020 NBA Draft?

By Quenton S. Albertie

TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange goes up for a lay-up against the Florida State Seminoles during the game at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 15, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Syracuse 80 to 77. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange goes up for a lay-up against the Florida State Seminoles during the game at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 15, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Syracuse 80 to 77. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Devin Vassell – Florida State

Florida State’s Devin Vassell is a three-and-D prospect who averaged 12.7 points per game last season, his first as a full-time starter, and shot 49.0% from the field while knocking down 41.5% of his shots from three. He also averaged 1.4 steals and 1.0 block per game.

Standing at 6’6,” he’s one of the taller shooting guard prospects but that’s perfectly fine. The Nuggets’ starting wings and forwards — Harris, Will Barton and Paul Millsap — are below average height and Vassell would provide a nice change of pace.

As previously mentioned, it would be difficult to assume that a late first-round pick could assume the starting role easily and Harris will certainly get the first crack at manning the first-unit because of his familiarity with the team and head coach Mike Malone’s system, his defensive prowess and his offensive potential. However, should Harris continue to underwhelm, Malone isn’t scared to make major changes.

Although Vassell isn’t great off-the-dribble, whether he’s trying to create his own shot or convert around the rim, he’s a great shooter that can play off the slashing strengths of a player like Barton and the passing ability of Nikola Jokic. Being able to play off his teammates will serve him well and provide balance to the first unit, as they can rest assured that Vassell will be spotting up behind-the-line and prepared to capitalize off of the attention drawn by Jokic, Barton and Jamal Murray.

Defensively, Vassell is active and has shown a pronounced ability with his man and team defense. He’ll attack passing lanes, make great reads, cover plenty of ground and closeout on shots from the perimeter and around the rim. He’s also a great communicator on defense.

Those are all skills that will benefit him in his effort to make the rotation and the starting unit and as Harris’ best ability is currently his defense, it’ll help Malone see him supplanting Harris in his starting role.