Denver Nuggets introduce Emmanuel Mudiay

“How much time do you have?” That was Nuggets General Manager Tim Connelly’s response when he was asked about all the things he likes about his latest first round draft choice Emmanuel Mudiay.

#nuggets first round pick Emmanuel Mudiay pic.twitter.com/7uXTj3pDU1

— BSNDenver.com (@BSNDenver) June 26, 2015

The Nuggets selected Mudiay with the seventh overall pick of the NBA Draft last night, and are thrilled he fell to them. The 6’6″ point guard brings an advantageous positional size. That has had him compared to some elite players.

Mudiay brought up Magic Johnson, Russell Westbrook, and Derrick Rose as players he has studied and is similar to

— Adam Kinney (@AdamRKinney) June 26, 2015

 Mudiay chose to play in China for a season instead of going to college, a decision he says has payed divedends in his development as a player. 

Mudiay “I don’t regret it one bit. Going to China was the best thing for me and my family” #Nuggetspic.twitter.com/WWiOvR7kcD

— Adam Kinney (@AdamRKinney) June 26, 2015

When the Nuggets introduced Mike Malone as their new head coach last week, he said he wanted to fill the locker room with players that hated to lose. It appears Mudiay fits that mold.

“Losing makes me sick, I can’t stand it.” On the pressure to be Denver’s franchise player. “I’ve faced pressure my entire life” #Nuggets

— Harrison Wind (@NBAWind) June 26, 2015

Mudiay is an impressive young man that could really help bring a different attitude and identity to the Nuggets both on and off the floor. It’s now up to the front office to surround him with other players that will do the same.