The Denver Nuggets have plenty of options available to them in the draft this year. They are slated to pick 22nd overall.
In exchange for Jerami Grant last offseason, Denver sent their 2020 first round pick to OKC. That trade turned out to be beneficial for both teams. Grant turned into a valuable piece for Denver’s rotation while OKC collected their first of eight future first-round draft picks. Denver didn’t own a first round draft pick entering the 2019-2020 season, but that changed just before the trade deadline. In a three team trade including Minnesota and Houston, Denver collected the rights to Houston’s 2020 first round pick.
Unlike the previous couple of drafts, this year’s draft does not carry a consensus first overall pick like Zion Williamson (2019), DeAndre Ayton (2018), or Ben Simmons (2016). Along with there not being a consensus first overall pick, the 2020 draft class is filled with uncertainties. There hasn’t been NCAA basketball since early March, which makes it difficult to examine prospects – especially those who are coming in with a major question.
Regardless, these are some players who I think can be an important addition for the years to come.
Desmond Bane – TCU, 6’6”/Wing
Throughout the entirety of the bubble and initial regular season, Denver has lacked a consistent 3&D player (it showed throughout this series too). Torrey Craig showed strides of becoming Denver’s future 3&D specialist in the playoffs last season but lacked progression on the offensive end this year. With Craig playing at a high level in the playoffs last season, Denver looked structured on defense – and wasn’t sacrificing much on offense.
In that case, Desmond Bane looks like a tasty pick for the Nuggets. Bane shines shooting the ball from deep at 44 percent,, but is best known for his defense. A solid on-ball defender who can cover nifty guards, efficient wings, and smaller bigs. However, Bane is most deadly as an off-ball defender. He excels in rotations, has quick hands, and is a terrific help-defender. What most fans, including myself, appreciated most about Craig was his effort and hustle on either side of the court.
With choosing Bane, not only do you get a proficient defender, but a gritty one as well. Diving on the floor for loose balls and getting physical is nothing new to Bane, who made a name for himself in the Big 12 conference. Bane is projected to be selected in the middle-late first round, which lands right where Denver will be drafting. Not only can Bane be an instant impact player, but a valuable rotation piece for the future. With his strong defensive play and IQ, I like comparing Bane to Mattisse Thybulle and Alex Caruso.
Tyler Bey – Colorado, 6’7”/Wing
Like Bane, Tyler Bey is another defensive specimen that should be available around Denver’s selection. As the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Bey averaged 1.5 SPG along with 1.2 BPG. When looking at Bey’s performance last Winter, the first thing to pop into one’s mind would be explosiveness. Bey is not just a decent shot blocker, he treats every block like a volleyball spike. Fearless on defensive possessions in the paint, Bey isn’t afraid to place his body in a position to be dunked on – like many defenders, especially in this draft class.
When defending off-ball, Bey uses his quick hands to defend passing lanes and punish weak ball handling. At Colorado, it seemed like whoever was going against Bey placed themselves in a mismatch.. Offensively, Bey was equally as aggressive in the paint, leaping over opposing players for rebounds and second chance opportunities at the rim. Using his quick bursts and explosiveness, defenders seemed hopeless to contest anything that Bey attempted in the paint. Unlike most agile collegiate wings, Bey maintains consistent and effective post footwork – giving him more versatility to score in the paint and not only relying on his athleticism to score.
Bey fits Denver well given his defensive presence and offensive upside. With some time in the G-League to mold his experience in an NBA atmosphere, Bey can fit into the Nuggets rotation within the coming seasons. Funny enough, Bey is comparable to Jerami Grant in which he mirrors Grant’s strengths and assumed role in the Nuggets rotation.
Tyrell Terry – Stanford, 6’2”, Guard
With the depth and youth Denver has at guard currently, selecting Terry seems like an unnecessary pick. However, given Terry’s shooting and finishing ability – it makes sense to bring a more scoring minded point guard onto the roster. Monte Morris is needed to keep the offense rolling when Murray is out while P.J. Dozier provides great length and solid defense. In Terry, the Nuggets get a guard who can create for himself while also carrying advanced off-ball movement to relocate for another shot.
Even with a smaller size, Terry still manages to score efficiently in the paint and while driving. Terry is crafty and creative at the rim making it possible to score against bigger defenders and shot blockers. When looking at Terry’s game, he resembles Seth Curry and Goran Dragic; offensive minded guards who not only can make shots for themselves – and in off ball situations – but can finish at the rim through contact. Picking Terry would give Denver another scoring option off the bench, while also being able to control the flow of the offense and make smart plays.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for October 16th, days after the Finals.