With the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select… ALeksej Pokusevski?
When Serbian big man Aleksej Pokusevski started to appear on 2020 NBA Draft big boards, anyone who has seen Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic — who also happens to be from Serbia — dominate saw how the slender 18-year-old could draw interest from any number of clubs clubs.
While not the passer the Jokic is (no slight considering his preternatural passing prowess), Poku has legitimate guard skills at 7’0,” being no stranger to bringing the ball up the court or knocking down shots from the perimeter. In an era where versatility and perimeter shooting are the most prized skills, Pokusevski is undoubtedly intriguing as a long, finesse power forward that’s a high IQ player and a fluid athlete.
Per DNVR Sports’ Harrison Wind, Pokusevski could be on his way to Denver, as he’s reportedly gaining plenty of momentum with the Nuggets ahead of the draft.
Denver is apparently “enamored” with Poku’s skillset and upside.
Aleksej Pokusevski, the 18-year-old out of Serbia, is gaining a lot of momentum with the Nuggets and could be Denver’s target at No. 22, per a league source. The Nuggets are enamored with his skill-set and upside, and aren’t shy about taking prospects that come with some risk.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 16, 2020
Many have compared Pokusevski to Kristaps Porzingis, including myself.
However, he seems more similar to a player like former power forward Andre Bargnani because he doesn’t have the same level of scoring instinct, defensive impact or craftiness as Porzingis. Nonetheless, considering the career that had Bargnani, there’s nothing wrong with drafting a player who may not be a superstar but still a high-quality player.
With the Nuggets unable to swing a trade for draft target Jrue Holiday, center Bol Bol is more likely to return to Denver after showing off a lot of potential himself.
Still, Poku could always be used as a draft-and-stash prospect who returns to Nuggets after developing physically.