2022 NBA Draft: Three players the Denver Nuggets could draft

The NBA draft is just moments away and for the Denver Nuggets, this is an especially critical and unique draft for the franchise. While the Nuggets once again pick late in the first-round, this year they have not one, but two first round picks thanks to the recent trade that sent JaMychal Green to the division rival, Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 2022 draft class features a range of talented players from Europe, the NCAA, and the G-League. Meaning that we’ve finally reached the time of year where big transactions go down and franchise-alerting moves could happen all in one night.

Unless another trade goes down tonight, the Denver Nuggets will have two new faces for the 2022-2023 NBA season. Either of which could provide the depth and skill needed to compete in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Since their season ended at the hands of the eventual world champion Golden State Warriors, the Nuggets have been working hard to scout elite prospects. Aiming to acquire the right players that would aid head coach, Michael Malone, and General Manager, Calvin Booth, in their quest of bringing an NBA championship to the Mile High City.

While there’s a lot of love for players like Nikola Jovic, there are some other prospects that could come in and not just add to one of the NBA’s top scoring offense, but provide some help defensively as well. Which is needed if Denver hopes to stop some of the premier scores in the league.

Even though Jovic may be the prize in the eyes of all Nuggets fans, here are some other players Denver could take in the draft who might add to what the team is looking for.

E.J Liddell

This three-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes has made improvements to his game every year, with the 2021-22 season being his coming-out party. As a member of the first team All-Big Ten and first team All-Defense, EJ Liddell could not only provide scoring around the perimeter and the post, but his defensive skills could be an assets to the Denver Nuggets as well. Who have been above average on the defensive side of the ball over the last two seasons.

Liddell was also one of the first prospects to work out for the Nuggets. At 6’7, 240-pounds, he uses his frame to make as a dominant force that can guard and post up in the paint. That balance of offense and defense shows a player that can bounce around the floor and provide as a two-way specialist.

Liddell was one of the first Nuggets invited and his time with Buckeyes makes it a no brainer to be on Calvin Booth’s draft board.

For Ohio State’s success in recent tournament runs, Liddell has been one of their key players and the one who has made the biggest impact for the Buckeyes. Highlighted by this past season in which he broke out with 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game while averaging 33.2 minutes per contest.

He also shot over 49 percent from the field, and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc, both of which were career-highs. With some improvement over time, these numbers can translate over to the pro level and be high even for NBA standards.

His lack of size may look like a disadvantage, but he makes up for it in high basketball IQ as well as his energy and instincts, which help with creating separation for his teammates.

Liddell even said in a pre draft interview that he feels there is myth to the undersized notion. Pointing out that there are other players in the league thriving against those sort of problems and that he too can be an impact player like those before him.

"“I hear I’m undersized every day. That’s annoying,” Liddell said, “I guess I’m undersized, but you see guys who are in the conference finals. P.J. Tucker, Grant Williams, Draymond Green, and I’m pretty sure they don’t consider themselves undersized in their heads. Truthfully, when it comes to me, I’m a basketball player. I don’t think I’m undersized, I go on the court and do what I’m asked to do. … I’m stronger than most people and you can’t teach heart, truthfully.”"

Improvements with his shooting hesitancy and lateral quickness will come over time, but the best part of his game is along the perimeter. Which is all that you could ask for in a player who’s going to transition off the bench. He can also add in as a 3-and-D type of player who could be a difference maker with what Coach Malone might ask for in certain situations.

Some of the draft comparisons include that of Grant Williams and former Nugget, Paul Millsap. Two-way guys who can spark energy as threats to both score and defend at a high rate. Williams is an example of a forward built with the same size and frame, and he’s already exemplified what he can provide for a team with his contributions for the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals run this past season.

For a team to get an energy guy is a plus, let alone if you add a player that fits the team’s needs. Just ask the Warriors in taking Jordan Poole, Celtics in Williams, and the Toronto Raptors with OG Anunoby.

Liddell has been quoted as the “steal of the draft”, so, if the Denver Nuggets can acquire his services its a definite plus and a solid start in improving their defense as well as their bench.

His draft projection has him going between the 18 to 22 draft slots, with other teams like the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves in contention. This means that pick No. 21 would need to be used to get him but it would be a steal Nuggets fans would enjoy to see.

MarJon Beauchamp

MarJon Beauchamp once again adds what Denver needs to get over the top in the West; defense.

As a 6’6”, 196-pound hybrid shooting guard/small forward, Beauchamp, a member of the NBA’s G-League Ignite, is another high-energy player who would be a fantastic option for the Denver Nuggets. While he not be as efficient offensively compared to Liddell, he makes up for it with a strong defensive game.

This year, he played a limited scoring role that utilized his over 7-foot wing span to lock down the opponents best guard and wing players, defending them down low or at the top of the key. He became a slasher and off-ball scorer that (while wasn’t the best shooter) provided the extra support on the low block.

Despite not being the best shooter beyond the arc, Beauchamp can be what a team needs on the defensive end. Which is hard to find as the modern NBA is more offensively-driven than in previous years.

Beauchamp took a long road to get to the NBA. Going to Chameleon BX, a training program for hopefuls instead of the college route, only to then see his opportunity limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Before then playing for his local hometown college in Yaminka, Washington and finally, the NBA G-League.

Where he would blossom into a talented defensive piece that could be very attractive to teams looking for that spark at the three or four position. Specifically a team that’s desperate to limit the opposing team’s stars scoring ability.

Although, Beauchamp said that it’s these hardships that have helped him get to where he is today.

"“I feel like I’ve found myself and learned new things about myself,” he said on a pre-draft Zoom call last Friday. “I’ve grown as a man, and taken steps to where I need to be.” “I was very close to giving up the game when I moved back to Yakima from Chameleon BX,” Beauchamp said. “That was probably the hardest time in my life. It was pretty tough because I didn’t have any opportunities. Like they said, they love you when you’re at your highest, but when you’re at your lowest, you don’t really hear from anyone. That was the position I was in.”"

His ball movement and excellent defensive game along with his low paint and post scoring ability would perfectly complement players like Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Michael Porter Jr. Allowing the Nuggets’ playmakers to kick the ball out in space while Beauchamp remains an anchor on defense to not give the opponent any leeway.

Some NBA comparisons for Beauchamp include Brandon Clarke, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Blake Griffin. Traditional paint guys who combine their ability to score down low with the defense and athleticism to impact a game when needed.

Scouts have said that his improvement was noticeable with the Ignite as well, with him being second on the team in scoring this past season. Averaging 15.1 points, 2.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in over 36 minutes played.

"“A glue guy who can fit around other types of players. He’s better in the open court than he is in the half court,” the source said. “His mid-range stuff is good. He did not shoot the ball from 3 — his numbers were poor — but there’s nothing wrong with his shot. He just had to do it more. “Score in transition and make mid-range shots off of pin-downs, he became really efficient that way.”"

His game certainly needs work, but, with improvement, he can be just what the doctor ordered if you’re a franchise like the Denver Nuggets. An offensive team in search of high-energy pieces and a spark plug that can help space out the floor and make plays with reading coverages.

Due to his potential and versatility, Beauchamp has been thrown around all ends of the draft board. While most slots have him going in the mid-late twenties, the Nuggets might be able to snag him at 21 (or if they’re lucky, 30).

He’s going to be a project offensively but his defense is exactly what coach Malone and his staff are looking for. Somebody who can use their athleticism to make big plays and, over time, improve their shooting to become a lethal sledgehammer. Making him a deadly addition to any team looking for that key specialist who can grow and become a flex player in a system designed to bring out the best of their abilities.

Ochai Agbaji

The four-year starter for the Kansas Jayhawks, who’s March Madness run lead the team to a national title, earned first team All-American honors as well as Big 12 Player of the Year honors.

In his final senior year, Ochai Agbaji tallied career-highs in points (18.8), and rebounds (5.1) per game. All while shooting high percentages from the free-throw line (74.3), three-point line (40.9) and from the field (47.5)  in over 35 minutes per night.

While his defensive stats might not compare to Liddel’s or Beauchamp’s, he can still play at an elite level on that side of the floor. Although, if your need is scoring, then Agbaji has you covered, as his potency on offense is a major strength that any NBA franchise would covet.

He can create his own shot in transition while still being able to catch and shoot automatically and hustle down the floor to make plays on or off the ball. For a team like the Denver Nuggets, who have a top-five offense, it’s crucial to add the extra scoring depth to create mismatches while also having a guy who can be a nightmare for defenders in the open court.

Due to his improvements and accolades in his final senior year with the Jayhawks, he does enter the 2022 NBA Draft as a bit of a wild card. One who could either fall late into the lottery or further into the middle of the first round.

Some draft analysts favor his college teammate, Christian Braun, and suspect that the Denver Nuggets will use their 30th overall pick on him instead.

For Agbaji, some key areas of his game include ball handling, setting up his shot, consistency in scoring and being one of the older prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft at 22 years old. His high-octane offensive prowess and swing an ability could make him a great role player, especially if he were to go to a team like the Nuggets. Where, compared to the Jayhawks, he wouldn’t be relied on as the focal point of the offense.

Some experts have likened him to a Mikal Bridges or Buddy Hield, as a good spot-up scorer who can play well in their roles both offensively and defensively. It’s important to note that the spot-up scoring and defensive mark of a two guard is an important part of the modern NBA. So, having a player with Agbaji’s skill set is incredibly valuable and they don’t come around very often.

He could be an important player in the Denver Nuggets second unit alongside Bones Hyland and Monte Morris as a polished, experienced player who can come in right away for a team in a win-now mindset. Obviously, every time you draft a player into the league there’s going to be learning curve. However, for Agbaji, he has already grown up as a Jayhawk, so, he can be ready for what an NBA team needs right away.

Agbaji has talked about how much he’s improved his game over the years but still knows that there is more to come if he wants to contribute night in and night out at the NBA level.

"“Really my main focus has been consistency, focusing on that more than anything,” Agbaji said. “Not going out with a total in mind for points or anything like that. Just being assertive and consistent.”"

Being a four-year starter that’s still worthy a being a high lottery pick isn’t that common in today’s NBA, particularly with all of the one-and-done college and G-League athletes surfacing. But for a player who has done what it has takes to grow his game, it can be important to have a player who can contribute and play right away in any role at the highest level.

Of all the players who stayed four years in college, like Agbaji, the young Kansas guard noted one player, in particular, that he’s been watching heavily leading up to the draft. During an interview with NBC Sports Washington, Agbaji mentioned how he’s studied the Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane. Noting how he feels that he can play up to his level and with the Denver Nuggets having the 30th pick in the draft, it could be lightning in a bottle to jolt up a team from good to great.

"“I watch a lot of Desmond Bane. That’s someone that I would say is similar to me game-wise. We’re both athletic, strong and can guard and make plays off the bounce, too.” Agbaji said. “Sometimes you’ve gotta stay patient, sometimes it’s not going to be there right away, the first two years or first three years. But if you stay the course, things will come to fruition.”"

If the Denver Nuggets do draft Agbaji, it would surely be a piece the team could use in their pursuit to win.

All three prospects add defense with some unique mix of offense that could make them a key contributor on an NBA roster. If any one of these players are available for Calvin Booth, alongside or instead of Jovic, then they could prove to be the piece necessary to bring a contender back as a whole again.

Draft night is just hours away, and the Denver Nuggets will be a team to follow tonight with the NBA’s second season (the offseason) now well underway.