Peyton Watson highlights Nuggets' latest pre-draft workout

The Nuggets are bringing in six more prospects, who are either slated to be selected in the second round or go undrafted, for a pre-draft workout Thursday Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Peyton Watson | 6-8 Forward | UCLA | Age: 19 | Projected 2nd round

Last year’s stats: 3.3 pts (32.3 FG%, 22.6 3P%, 68.8 FT%), 2.9 rebs, 0.8 asts, 0.6 stls in 12.7 mpg

Strengths: Defense, athleticism, scoring instincts

Weaknesses: Shooting, shot selection, polish

NBA Comp: Trevor Ariza

The story with Watson is a simple one. He was once a McDonald’s All-American and a consensus top-15 and five-star recruit out of high school. He then went to UCLA and joined an experienced team that made the Final Four a year earlier, didn’t play much, and struggled in a small role when he did get on the court. Watson still has a ton of upside but is extremely raw. He has the potential to develop into a two-way forward thanks to his athleticism, 7-foot wingspan and defensive ability.

Darryl Morsell | 6-5 Wing | Marquette | Age: 23 | Projected Undrafted

Last year’s stats: 13.4 pts (44.6 FG%, 34.7 3P%, 77.1 FT%), 3.6 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1.2 stls in 29.7 mpg

Strengths: Defense, athleticism, playmaking

Weaknesses: Shooting, offensive contributions, upside

NBA Comp: Josh Richardson

Morsell is a fifth-year senior who played last season at Marquette after transferring from Maryland where he won Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22. And that’s how he’s going to make an NBA team. Defense. Morsell has a similar build to Davon Reed and could latch on with a team if he can provide a similar type of defensive impact. He’s shown some good passing instincts but will need to hit 3s at a more consistent rate. Also, he’s a Baltimore kid. I know Tim Connelly’s not running the Nuggets anymore, but it’s the same front office other than him. It’s something to keep top of mind.

Anthony Duruji | 6-7 Power Forward | Florida | Age: 23 | Projected Undrafted

Last year’s stats: 8.6 pts (53 FG%, 33.8 3P%, 74.1 FT%), 4.1 rebs, 1.1 asts, 0.9 stls in 24.6 mpg

Strengths: Rebounding, athleticism, motor

Weaknesses: Shooting, upside, skill

NBA Comp: Kenneth Faried

Duruji is an athletic power forward who plays hard. His motor doesn’t stop and his athleticism gives him some appeal as an energy big who’s going to compete on defense and rebound. He’ll need to improve as an outside shooter going forward to stick in the NBA.

Bryce Hamilton | 6-4 Guard | UNLV | Age: 21 | Projected Undrafted

Last year’s stats: 21.8 pts (43 FG%, 34.6 3P%, 76.8 FT%), 5 rebs, 2.2 asts, 0.8 stls in 32.3 mpg

Strengths: Off-ball scoring, athleticism, playmaking

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooting, undersized, NBA role

NBA Comp: Norman Powell

Hamilton is a high-scoring lefty shooting guard who can absolutely fill it up. He had 45 points against Colorado State last season and 30+ on five other occasions. Hamilton is undersized and will have to find other ways to contribute at the NBA level besides his scoring. He wasn’t too efficient in college and won’t get the same leash to be a lead option at the next level.

Jaizec Lottie | 6-2 Point Guard | Flagler | Age: 24 | Projected Undrafted

Last year’s stats: 22.9 pts (44.4 FG%, 28.6 3P%, 79.1 FT), 6.6 rebs, 4.8 asts, 1.6 stls in 35.7 mpg

Strengths: Passing, playmaking, finishing

Weaknesses: Shooting, undersized, defense

NBA Comp: Elfird Payton

Lottie transferred to Division II Flagler after three underwhelming years at Arkansas Little Rock. He emerged at Flagler as a big-time scorer after never averaging more than 7.2 points per game at the Division I level. Lottie’s a Colorado kid who went to Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora. Playmaking and creation are his bread and butter.

Ronaldo Segu | 6-foot Point Guard | Buffalo | Age: 22 | Projected Undrafted

Last year’s stats: 14.9 pts (43.2 FG%, 37.3 3P%), 80.9 FT%), 3 rebs, 5.1 asts 0.9 stls in 32.3 mpg

Strengths: Off-the-dribble scoring, shooting, playmaking

Weaknesses: Undersized, streaky shooter

NBA Comp: Jose Alvarado

Segu’s a senior out of Buffalo who’s a promising playmaker and can do a little bit of everything. He played well at the 2022 Tampa Bay Combine and has increased his stock a bit since his senior season. Segu is crafty with the ball and a willing passer with a 6-7 wingspan. He’s small, which will always hurt his upside, but is always in attack mode with the ball.