After making one pick at 35th overall, the Denver Nuggets made another selection in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the 49th overall pick, the Nuggets selected forward Bryce Hopkins out of St. Johns. He’s a 6’6″ forward who used his physicality to be a strong rebounder and slasher at the college level and will bring that compete level to the NBA.
Hopkins averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his fifth college year at St. Johns. He played a smart game next to other draftees Zuby Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell. Hopkins shot 36.3% from three but didn’t take a lot of threes at the college level. He will play off of other creators but can also handle the ball and go downhill a bit, grabbing his own offensive rebounds as a competitive hustle guy.
It’s interesting that the Nuggets used this draft pick after selecting at 35. There were questions as to whether the Nuggets would use their acquired second round picks to shed salary, but it turns out Denver made the selections and will add two forwards to their squad in Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins.
With questions at the forward spots involving trade or free agency departures for Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Peyton Watson, and Spencer Jones, it’s interesting that the Nuggets prioritized the forward position in the draft. Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II are possible options for Denver in the frontcourt, but the Nuggets adding new players to the mix is very interesting to me.
Whether the Nuggets end up using either player during the 2026-27 season is another question entirely. Both will have an uphill climb toward playing time, but Hopkins is someone who, after an ACL tear and recovery, could benefit from the development at the NBA level.
The Nuggets always need smart options who can operate off of their main actions. Perhaps Hopkins can be that guy.
