It's Draft Night. A night where franchises that have struggled during the regular season can attempt to turn their fortunes around, a night where fans can enjoy a rare moment of hope for the future (looking at you Knicks fans), and a night that provides even more excitement to an off-season that has been full of it. For a Denver Nuggets franchise that barely missed the playoffs this past regular season, this year's draft provides an opportunity to add another young piece to an already crowded young core. Let's look at the prospects the Nuggets should definitely target tonight with the 13th pick.
1. John Collins (Wake Forest, 6'10" Power Forward, Sophomore)
In his second collegiate season John Collins was simply unbelievable for the Demon Deacons, averaging 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and shot 62.2% from the floor. Collins will enter the NBA with an established post-game, along with elite athleticism, his jump shot will continue to need work, but he has the potential to stretch the floor in the near future. Importantly, especially for the Nuggets, Collins potential as a defender is what Denver should look at heavily. He was fourth in the ACC in blocks (52) during the season, his 37.5" max vert will allow him to continue to disrupt shots at the next level. Where he struggles is his awareness on the court, and a knack for getting into foul trouble, but with proper coaching those issues can be resolved rather easily.
2. Zach Collins (Gonzaga, 7'0" Power Forward/Center, Freshman)
Collins was able to parlay an excellent freshman campaign, and NCAA Tournament run into becoming a sure fire lottery selection. Collins displays versatility that isn't normally seen in 7 footers, offensively he shows an array of ways to score, whether it be on post-ups, lobs, dump-offs, off of the pick and roll, and shows an ability to be a consistent jump shooter. In his lone season at Gonzaga, Collins exhibited a strong ability as a shot-blocker, per 100 possessions he averaged an incredible 5.8 blocks per game. His agility allows him to defend smaller players on the perimeter without any trouble, and can hold his own on the pick and roll. His first couple of years he will struggle with being a physical force on the block, stronger players will be able to push him around without meeting much resistance, but his offensive, and defensive potential is worth taking the risk.
3. OG Anunoby (Indiana, 6'8" Small Forward/Power Forward, Sophomore)
Every draft involves some level of risk, and OG Anunoby is a pretty damn big risk. The Indiana product entered the 2016-17 season as a breakout candidate, his combo of size, versatility on the defensive end, and athleticism had NBA teams drooling over his potential. After 16 games his season came to an end via a right knee injury that required surgery, and what was once supposed to be a promising season was instead surrounded by questions. Anunoby still has the potential to be a legit defensive stopper in the NBA, as his 6'8" height, and 7'2 ¼" wingspan isn't going anywhere. His elite athleticism should still be intact barring any more major injuries, and he possesses a strong, NBA-ready body that will allow him to defend anyone from guards to forwards. A major question surrounding Anunoby other than his health is his shooting, in the 16 games he did play Anunoby shot a poor 31.1% from three. His mechanics are flawed, but can be corrected over time. If Anunoby can develop a respectable jump shot he has a chance to be the steal of the draft.
