Once again, the Denver Nuggets weren’t able to move up in the NBA draft, but that doesn’t matter when you have the kind of luck Tim Connelly seems to have.
The Nuggets landed Jamal Murray from Kentucky on Thursday night after the combo-guard fell much further than expected, much like Emmanuel Mudiay did a season ago.
The key to this happening was the Boston Celtics selecting Jaylen Brown with the No. 3 overall pick. Many projections had Brown going as low as No. 8. The pick was baffling at best and set the stage for Denver to hit again at No. 7.
Murray provides everything the Nuggets could have asked for with the No. 7 pick. He is a shooting guard who can also run the point to spell Mudiay. Murray will also provide much needed scoring, especially from the three-point line. And it’s not unrealistic to imagine him leading all rookies in scoring.
Denver elected not to trade any of their three first-round draft picks. As a result, they landed Juan Hernangomez from Spain at No. 15 and Malik Beasley from Florida St. at No. 19.
Hernangomez was a bit of a surprise pick, but he will provide more depth at the power forward position. He is NBA ready right now because of the competition he has played at and offers a smooth jump shot, rebounding ability and rim protection.
Beasley was a bit of a reach as well. He will provide Denver with more three-point shooting. Beasley excels in the transition game which will be a plus for the Nuggets at home. Beasley is also a good locker room guy who gets along with teammates and could be looked upon in the future for leadership. The only real knock on Beasley is his defense, which can be improved by working with Michael Malone.
If the Nuggets take a positive step in the next few seasons the 2016 NBA draft will be a major reason why. Denver added depth to their front line while solidifying their backcourt. It is very realistic that the combo of Mudiay and Murray could be the best Denver backcourt since the days of Michael Adams and Fat Lever.
If Murray is everything as advertised this draft will be looked at as a home run for the Nuggets regardless of the success of Hernangomez and Beasley.
For the Nuggets, it seems as if lucky No. 7 really does work.
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