[Bryan88]

Who do you think the Nuggets should target with the 20th pick?


DraftExpress: NBA Team Needs: Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets (50-32 in 2007-08.)

Draft Picks: No. 20

Depth Chart:

PG: Anthony Carter* / Chucky Atkins / Taurean Green*
SG: Allen Iverson / J.R. Smith* / Yakhouba Diawara*
SF: Carmelo Anthony / Eduardo Najera* / Bobby Jones*
PF: Kenyon Martin / Linas Kleiza / Nenê
C: Marcus Camby / Steven Hunter

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Point Guard, Center

Bottom line: On paper, the Nuggets have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. However, that doesn’t overshadow the fact that they were built to play in a way that isn’t conducive to success in the Western Conference Playoffs. No team with such tremendous athleticism should give up as many points as the Nuggets do, and while blame can’t be piled solely on George Karl, the franchise has to find a way to foster a defensive identity. Whether that means that means trading Carmelo Anthony remains to be seen, but Karl, Mark Warkentien, Brett Bearup and co. will need to find a way to get more than just scoring out of their roster next season.

Draft outlook: At 20, the Nuggets are in position to snag one of the many post players this draft has to offer, possibly even one that offers some presence defensively. The problem is they need an impact player, and those are usually hard to come by at that slot, particularly with size and athleticism. DeVon Hardin and Robin Lopez could both provide pay some dividends off the bench down the road, although Lopez’s stock may have surpassed that pick at this point. While neither player looks particularly ready (either physically, or experience-wise) to be a dominant defender at the NBA level from day one, each has shown a dedication to that side of the floor as a collegiate, and both have the physical tools to develop into solid players. Another option for Denver is Alexis Ajinca, who has the size and length to be a factor altering shots, but remains very raw and lacks the strength to hold position inside. Down the road he could reap dividends, though. Along those same lines we find players such as DeAndre Jordan and JaVale McGee, who recently have seen their stock fall to the point that they may be options at 20. Ultimately, the Nuggets may opt to trade down in an attempt to find a guard who complements Allen Iverson, and possibly would help bring some character to the locker room. It would be very optimistic to think that the Nuggets can remedy their problems with a draft pick, let alone one in the mid to late first-round.