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Final Denver Nuggets thoughts ahead of what should be a wild 2024 NBA draft

By Ben Handler

Mar 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Keshad Johnson (16) shoots against Dayton Flyers forward DaRon Holmes II (15) during the second half in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena-Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Keshad Johnson (16) shoots against Dayton Flyers forward DaRon Holmes II (15) during the second half in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena-Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports / Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports
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The first round of the 2024 NBA draft is starting any minute on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+ and things remain extremely fluid for the Nuggets. The team starts the draft with the 28th overall pick in the first round and the 56th overall pick in Thursday’s 2nd round. The only thing that’s clear is that the Nuggets need to make the most out of these assets.

All indications are that the team intends to keep the first round pick and select a player and that they are unlikely to trade out of the spot according to Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. More than anything, the Nuggets need to take the best player available, and ideally one who can step in and play immediately.

The Nuggets need to take the best player available

They were short on reliable rotation players last season and that weakness became exposed more and more as the season and playoffs went on. The team shouldn’t get overly bogged down on drafting for need, trying to fill a certain hole, or targeting a specific position. If they like a player and think he can contribute right away, they should draft him regardless of his role.

That said, the Nuggets have appeared focused on drafting a big man to backup Nikola Jokic next season and beyond. The minutes when Jokic sits have been a major concern in recent years and they seem no closer to solving that problem than ever. If the team can get a serviceable backup center with the 28th pick who can hold down the fort in non-Jokic minutes next season that would be a huge win.

What prospects have the Nuggets been connected to?

DaRon Holmes out of Dayton has been the trendy name attached to the Nuggets as he’s a big versatile center, but some sources suggest he could be off the board well before 28th overall. The team is also known to have worked out Tyler Smith, a big 3&D player from the G-League Ignite, and Jonathan Mogbo out of San Francisco, a smaller big with a high motor and solid skill.

The Nuggets could also opt for players at other positions as it seems like there should be a plethora of projected solid role players available. It should be a fun and intense night. Be sure to check back here for any breaking news and instant reaction and analysis to any pick that’s made or whatever the Nuggets choose to do.

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