Nuggets Big Board: The 5 best realistic options for Denver in the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is Thursday night, and the Denver Nuggets now have two first-round picks after a trade earlier in the month.

The Nuggets have many options now, including moving up into the teens. According to many reports, new head man Calvin Booth has been active in trade talks. Monte Morris may get sent out, and Denver could include one of their two selections in a deal with their backup guard.

Denver’s two picks are at No. 21 and No. 30.

After attending several of the Nuggets’ draft workouts, here is an updated list of the five best players in Denver’s range that fit what they need:

Tari Eason, 21,
Forward, 6-8, LSU

PPG: 16.9
RPG: 6.6
APG: 1.0
3P%: 35.9

One of the most productive two-way players in the nation, he won SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Perfect frame, 7-2 wingspan, 9-foot reach, and huge hands. He’s a strong functioning athlete that’s a superb defender. His aggressiveness and IQ represent a few of some significant flaws.

Jalen Williams, 21,
Guard/Wing, 6-6. Santa Clara

PPG: 18.0
RPG: 4.4
APG: 4.2
3P%: 39.6

Big, long and covers ground well while being strong. A strong playmaker that was also one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the country. He has huge upside and great tools but will his skills translate from the West Coast Conference to the NBA?

Dalen Terry, 19,
Guard/Wing, 6-7, Arizona,

PPG: 8.0
RPG: 4.8
APG: 3.9
3P%: 36.4

An All-Pac-12 Defensive Team player in 2022, he’s quick, long and active. He’s a fun player to watch and makes things happen on defense and with the ball on offense. But he doesn’t score much and probably left school a year early. Still, if his shot can make the jump, Terry is a starter in the NBA.

MarJon Beauchamp, 21,
Wing, 6-6, G League Ignite

PPG: 15.1
RPG: 6.5
APG: 2.0
3P%: 27.3

Another player with a great frame and good wingspan. The Nuggets loved his workout, and he’s got a great motor. He’s an NBA athlete today and could probably defend at the highest level today. But he somewhat struggles to score, and his shooting wasn’t great. Beauchamp also has worked his butt off to get to this point and focused on the off-ball aspects of his game.

Mark Williams, 20
Center, 7-2, Duke

PPG: 11.2
RPG: 7.4
APG: 0.9
BPG: 2.8

Won ACC Defensive Player of the Year, leading Duke to the Final Four. He Is enormous, with a standing reach only bested in NBA combine history by 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall. He’s a good athlete with a family history of competition; his sister is in the WNBA. His rim protection is excellent, but he might not be a shooter. If DeMarcus Cousins leaves, he could be a great backup center for Nikola Jokic.

Other names to watch:

Nikola Jovic, 19,
Forward, 6-11, Mega Basket

Kendall Brown, 19,
Wing, 6-8, Baylor

Wendell Moore Jr., 20,
Wing, 6-6, Duke

Christian Koloko, 22,
Center, 7-0, Arizona

Blake Wesley, 19,
Guard, 6-4, Notre Dame

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