Denver Nuggets: Who to avoid at 30 in the 2022 NBA Draft

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 04: Ryan Rollins #5 of the Toledo Rockets handles the ball under pressure from Max Christie #5 of the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on December 4, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Denver Nuggets should avoid Ryan Rollins at 30 in the 2022 NBA Draft

Ryan Rollins is a versatile guard that can play on or off the ball and was a two-year starter for Toledo. Over the 64 collegiate games he played in, Rollins impressed everybody as an efficient three-level scorer and an exceptional playmaker. Showcasing his ability to both shoot the ball at a high level and facilitate the flow of the offense.

In fact, in his final year with the Rockets, Rolling averaged an impressive 18.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game with .468/.311/.802 shooting splits. He’s also projected to fall right around where the Denver Nuggets will be drafting towards the end of the first round.

Despite being an incredibly fun player to watch, and one with high potential thanks to his astounding 6’10” wingspan, which gives him the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. Ryan Rollins faces several question marks about his ability to play consistently at an NBA level.

Much like former first-round busts, Rollins didn’t play against any real competition in college. As a team from the MAC conference, Toledo’s fiercest rivals last year was Kent State, Ohio and Buffalo, none of whom played in the big dance in March.

While the Rockets did face off against the likes of Michigan State, Richmond and Dayton, all three were double-digit losses and Rollins’ worst games of the season. So, while certainly talented, Ryan Rollins has yet to prove he can play with the big boys on a consistent basis.

Not only that, but some scouts have noted their concerns over his drive-heavy style of play, which can become problematic since he’s a relatively undersized combo guard at 6’4”, 180 pounds. His 31 percent from beyond the arc probably doesn’t help either.

If the Denver Nuggets were to draft Rollins, I’m honestly not sure how he’d fit into the rotation. Does he start alongside Jamal Murray in Denver’s backcourt? Does he team up with Bones Hyland to lead the second unit? Either way, Rollins would be the biggest guard on the court, and doesn’t offer much of an advantage in the way of defense, which is the Nuggets biggest area of need at the moment.

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