The Denver Nuggets had a disappointing season this year, full of lackluster performances and not winning critical games against teams worse than them. The Nuggets were able to produce points on offense, averaging 101.5 points per game, which ranked 12th in the NBA. However, the Nuggets biggest problem was their defense. Denver allowed an average of 105.0 points per game, which tied for 27th in the NBA. This led the Nuggets to a subpar season where they went 30-52. Denver has some holes on their team, and they can address them in the draft. Let’s now look as to where and how the Nuggets can make these improvements.

                                                                                                                               

Current Lineup

PG: Ty Lawson

SG: Randy Foye

SF: Danilo Gallinari

PF: Kenneth Faried

C: Jusuf Nurkic

                                                                                                                               

Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick 7

Round 2, Pick 27

                                                                                                                               

Team Needs

Defensive Center: The Nuggets lost their main defensive presence when they traded Timofey Mozgov to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Nuggets struggled even more on defense. The Nuggets need another big body down low to block the rim, grab boards, and send shots back.

All-Around Shooting Guard: The Denver Nuggets may have four guys listed as shooting guards on their team, but only one (maybe two) who can actually play shooting guard well enough to be on an NBA team. But, the two of them are not talented enough to start, so they need to find a new shooting guard who can score and play defense and make the team better on all levels.

                                                                                                                               

Possible Picks

Mario Hezonja: While Mario Hezonja may not score as much as the average shooting guard, his defensive upside is what makes him so appealing to teams. Hezonja can do a little bit of everything. He can score, rebound, pass, steal, and force turnovers. Hezonja is very physical for a shooting guard, standing at 6’8”, and can move himself around. Hezonja is also able to slash into the lane and get to the basket. He’d be able to improve the Nuggets instantly and possibly start for them.

Arturas Gudaitis: While he may be a little smaller than the average center at 6’10”, Gudaitis is able to size up at center and play defensively. Gudaitis averaged almost five rebounds per game and almost one block. Gudaitis played efficiently while overseas and hopefully he is able to translate that into the NBA.

                                                                                                                               

There you have it for the NBA Draft Preview of the Denver Nuggets. If you wish to read the last draft preview on the Sacramento Kings, click here. Be sure to come back tomorrow to read the preview on the Detroit Pistons.