The wings and bigs the Nuggets could target in the NBA Draft

On Tuesday, we highlighted why the Nuggets selecting a guard in the first round seems likely. But Nuggets president Tim Connelly has never been afraid to take the best player available at his particular draft slot. In the 2020 draft, Denver didn’t need another guard, but Connelly traded back into the first round to nab RJ Hampton at No. 24 overall because he believed in his scout and Hampton’s talent.

That worked out pretty well. The Nuggets were able to center a trade package around Hampton at last season’s trade deadline that brought them Aaron Gordon, who looked like the missing piece until Jamal Murray’s ACL injury derailed a potential dream season.

If there’s a player — even a wing or big man — that the Nuggets deem as good value at No. 26 or elsewhere in the first or second round, you should never be surprised to see Connelly get aggressive.

Here’s how the DNVR Nuggets crew ranks the available wings and big men ahead of Thursday night’s draft.

Wings/Forwards

1. Scottie Barnes | Florida St. | Fresh. | 19-years-old | 6-9, 7-3 wingspan

10.3 pts (50.3 FG%, 27.5 3P%, 62.1 FT%), 4 rebs, 4.1 asts, 1.5 stls in 24.8 mins

NBA Comparison: Pascal Siakam

Strengths: All-around premier defender, ultra-high IQ in all facets

Weaknesses: Shooting

The skinny: Barnes does everything well except shoot, and even if he never shoots he could still be an All-Star because of his defense, passing, and versatility (cue the Ben Simmons jokes.) He pretty much played point guard for Florida State last season and is as unique of a prospect as you’ll find in this draft. He can defend all five positions. He can pass and has great vision. I’m a fan because I love unique, high-level prospects. Barnes is that through and through even without a jumper.

2. Jonathan Kuminga | G League | 19-years-old | 6-8, 7-0 wingspan

NBA Comparison: Jeff Green

15.8 pts (38.7 FG%, 24.6 3P%, 62.5 FT%), 7.2 rebs, 2.7 asts, 1 stl in 32.8 mins

Strengths: Sky-high ceiling, good athlete who can handle

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shot, defense comes and goes

The skinny: If you’re drafting Kuminga you believe in his upside, not what he can do right now. He’s got the tools, the NBA frame, the shooting form and the intangibles to be a very, very high level player. But when will he put it all together? Will the GM who drafts Kuminga in the top-10 be able to keep his job long enough to reap the benefits? This feels like a situation where the team Kuminga gets drafted to really matters. He needs a strong player development program and good coaching to be successful.

3. James Bouknight | UConn | Soph. | 20-years-old | 6-5, 6-8 wingspan

18.7 pts (44.7 FG%, 29.3 3P%, 77.8 FT%), 5.7 rebs, 1.8 asts, 1.1 stls in 31.7 mins

NBA Comparison: CJ McCollum

Strengths: NBA offensive game, good athlete and crafty ball handler

Weaknesses: Streaky shooter with poor shot selection, inconsistent on-ball defender

The skinny: Bouknight’s going to be a very good scorer at the next level and his game looks like it might better be suited for the NBA than college. He’ll be a good shooter too even though he wasn’t at UConn. He’s also wired to score with a silky pull-up game. Bouknight could eventually average 20 per game depending on his situation in the NBA, but he’s got so-so vision and is just an OK passer. I’m lower on him than most.

4. Franz Wagner | Michigan | Soph. |19-years-old | 6-8

12.5 pts (47.7 FG%, 34.3 3P%, 83.5 FT%), 6.5 rebs, 3 asts, 1.3 stls, 1 blk in 31.7 mins

NBA Comparison: Robert Covington

Strengths: Strong feel for the game, defense, playmaking upside

Weaknesses: Not an incredible athlete or shooter

The skinny: The first thing you notice about Wagner is his feel for the game. He generally knows where to be and plays an unselfish brand of basketball. Then, it’s his defense. He’s a high IQ individual and team defender with great instincts. If Wagner finds his shot at the next level he’s starter material for sure. He has the playmaking upside and two-way steadiness to fill that role.

5. Moses Moody | Arkansas | Fresh. | 19-years-old | 6-6, 7-1 wingspan

NBA Comparison: Mikal Bridges

16.8 pts (42.7 FG%, 35.8 3P%, 81.2 FT%), 5.8 rebs, 1.6 asts, 1 stl in 33.8 mins

Strengths: Strong 3-point shooter, stout, reliable perimeter defender

Weaknesses: Below-the-rim player, little shake to his game

The skinny: Moody looks like your prototypical 3-and-D wing, He’s just 19-years-old. He should be able to shoot it and defend some top perimeter options in the NBA as soon as he slips on a team’s jersey for the first time. Moody has some polish to his game too despite his age, and although there’s some knocks against him because he’s not a premier athlete, I like how he knows how to play at his own pace.

6. Trey Murphy | Virginia | Junior | 21-years-old | 6-9, 7-0 wingspan

NBA Comparison: Cam Johnson

11.3 pts (50.3 FG%, 43.4 3P%, 92.7 FT%), 3.4 rebs, 1.2 asts, 0.8 stls in 29.6 mins

Strengths: Elite, elite shooting, versatile, long, rangy defender

Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and a handle

The skinny: I’m in awe of Trey Murphy’s jumper. Seriously. It’s a thing of beauty. He’s going to be a lights out shooter in the NBA and last year at Virginia shot 43% from distance and 38-41 from the free-throw line. Murphy’s also long and can defend. He’s only Cam Johnson on offense. On defense, he’s way more versatile and skilled. I don’t know if he has an All-Star ceiling or if he’ll be anymore than a catch-and-shoot sniper and cutter, but Murphy will be a quality role player for a decade-plus.

7. Corey Kispert | Gonzaga | Senior | 22-years-old | 6-7, 6-7 wingspan

NBA Comparison: Doug McDermott

18.6 pts (52.9 FG%, 44 3P%, 87.8 FT%), 5 rebs, 1.8 asts, 0.9 stls in 31.8 mins

Strengths: Elite 3-point shooting, high IQ player

Weaknesses: Lacks athleticism, perimeter defense is a concern

The skinny: Kispert can flat out shoot it both on the catch and on the move. He’s a smart, high IQ player who could be able to fill a Joe Harris or Doug McDermott-type role. There are obviously questions about his defense and if he’ll be able to do anything other than shoot. Those are real. Kispert will be best long-term on a good team where he can play to his strengths. Translation: I’ll be concerned if he winds up in say…Sacramento.

8. Keon Johnson | Tennessee | Fresh. | 19-years-old, 6-5, 6-7 wingspan

11.3 pts (44.9 FG%, 27.1 3P%, 70.3 FT%), 3.5 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1.1 stls in 25.5 mins

NBA Comparison: RJ Hampton

Strengths: Explosive athlete, should have defensive upside with his makeup

Weaknesses: Poor shooter, decision-making needs to improve, very unpolished

The skinny: Keon Johnson is one of the best athletes in the draft. He broke the vertical jump record at the NBA combine and can absolutely sky. What else can he do? Well… He can cut and finish around the rim because of his athleticism. He should be a quality defender because of his motor, frame and measurables. Johnson’s shot is shaky and he could be a bit of a project.

9. Jalen Johnson | Duke | Freshman | 19-years-old | 6-8, 7-0 wingspan

11.2 pts (52.3 FG%, 44.4 3P%, 63.2 FT%), 6.1 rebs, 2.2 asts, 1.2 stls, 1.2 blks in 21.4 mins

NBA Comparison: Aaron Gordon

Strengths: Natural playmaker, speed, athleticism

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooter and defender, character questions

The skinny: It’s easy to get excited about Jalen Johnson. He’s an athletic 6-9 swingman with a great frame and feel for the game, awesome body control around the rim and in transition, and is just someone who looks like a player. But there are questions. He left his last two teams — IMG Academy and Duke — in the middle of the season, which raises eyebrows. Johnson’s jumper leaves a lot to be desired too. He’s probably an all-or-nothing pick. If Johnson hits, he’ll really hit. If doesn’t, you won’t hear from him much.

10. Zaire Williams | Stanford | Fresh. | 19-years-old | 6-9, 6-10 wingspan

10.7 pts (37.4 FG%, 29.1 3P%, 79.6 FT%), 4.6 rebs, 2.2 asts, 0.9 stls in 27.9 mins

NBA Comparison: Brandon Ingram

Strengths: Fluid athlete and ball handler, go-to scorer potential

Weaknesses: Strength, doesn’t seek out contact, shooting questions

The skinny: Speaking of boom or bust picks, I’d slot Zaire Williams into a similar category as Johnson. He showed little at Stanford other than his ideal NBA wing frame and athleticism. Williams looks like he’ll be a good shooter at the next level despite his poor numbers in college. You can talk yourself into him being a go-to perimeter option because the natural talent is just there. But there’s risk that comes with him too.

11. JT Thor | Auburn | Fresh. | 18-years-old | 6-10, 7-3 wingspan

9.4 pts (44 FG%, 29.7 3P%, 74.1 FT%), 5 rebs, 0.9 asts, 1.4 blks in 23 mins

Strengths: Explosive athlete, off-ball defense, rim protection

Weaknesses: Inconsistent shooter, turnover prone

NBA Comparison: Jonathan Isaac

The skinny: Thor reminds me of Bol Bol — albeit a couple inches shorter — in a lot of ways. Except he’s quicker and has a higher motor. Thor plays on the perimeter, his jumper looks promising, and he’s a great weak-side defender. He’s long and athletic too. I’m a fan, but Thor will need time to develop. Take Thor in the second round and let him cook in the G League for a season.

12. Herb Jones | Alabama | Senior | 22-years-old | 6-7, 7-0 wingspan

11.2 pts (44.6 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 71.3 FT%), 6.6 rebs, 3.3 asts, 1.7 stls, 1.1 blks in 27.3 mins

Strengths: Elite defensive potential, smart off-ball player

Weaknesses: Shooting, limited upside at 22-years-old

NBA Comparison: Andre Roberson

The skinny: Jones is my kind of player. He loves to defend, has a huge wingspan, and is a high IQ team player who knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He doesn’t have the upside of most typical first round pick but could be a quality role player. Jones is also pretty athletic and bouncy and has the body to defend big-time offensive wings.

13. Isaiah Todd | G League | 19-years-old | 6-9, 7-1 wingspan

12.3 pts (43.7 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 82.4 FT%), 4.9 rebs, 0.8 asts, 0.7 blks in 24.4 mins

Strengths: Perimeter shooting, athleticism

Weaknesses: Very raw, shot selection, roams on the 3-point line

NBA Comparison: Michael Beasley

The skinny: Todd is a project who’s at least a season or two away from becoming a reliable player. But the good news is he’s young at just from the tape has the ability to develop into a skilled pick-and-pop big. The former 15th ranked recruit is also athletic for his size and you can see the path forward. He played in the G League this last season, and that figures to be where he’ll stick for next year too.

Bigs

1. Evan Mobley | USC | Fresh. | 20-years-old | 7-0, 7-4 wingspan

16.4 pts (57.8 FG%, 30 3P%, 69.4 FT%), 8.7 rebs, 2.4 asts, 2.9 blks in 33.9 mins

Strengths: Shot-blocking, defense, modern NBA big

Weaknesses: Thin frame, shooting

NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh

The skinny: If you’re selecting a 7-footer at the top of the draft, that player MUST be able to defend on the perimeter. That’s a requirement in today’s NBA for selecting a big man as early as Mobley will hear his name called Thursday. The good news is Mobley should be able to. With his defense and two-way potential, Mobley has future All-Star written all over him. He’s my second-ranked player in the draft.

2. Alperen Sengun | Beşiktaş | 19-years-old | 6-10, 7-0 wingspan

19.2 pts (4.6 FG%, 19 3P%, 81.2 FT%), 9.4 rebs, 2.5 asts, 1.7 blks in 28.3 mins

Strengths: Post-scoring, feel for the game, rebounding

Weaknesses: Non-shooter, defense

NBA Comparison: Enes Kanter

The skinny: Sengun should be able to score in the NBA after putting up historic numbers in Turkey as a 19-year-old. He has elite footwork, great touch and an elite feel for his defender on the block. But his defense is concerning. There are real questions there and he also will enter the NBA without much of a jumpshot.

3. Usman Garuba | Real Madrid | 19-years-old | 6-8, 7-2 wingspan

5.6 pts (46.1 FG%, 33.8 3P%, 67.6 FT%), 5.3 rebs, 1.1 asts, 0.8 blks in 18.7 mins

Strengths: Versatile, switchable defender, hustler, passing

Weaknesses: A bit undersized, poor shooter

NBA Comparison: Draymond Green

The skinny: Comparing any prospect to Draymond Green is a death wish, but there are some similarities there. Garuba is arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft and at his age the prospects of the type of defender he’ll be able to develop into are scary. He’s shown a passing gene too and the ability to read the defense off the short role. His shot needs work and exactly what role he’ll play on offense is a bit up in the air. I like the potential though.

4. Kai Jones | Texas | Soph. | 20-years-old | 6-11, 7-2 wingspan

8.8 pts (58 FG%, 38.2 3P%, 68.9 FT%), 4.8 rebs, 0.8 stls, 0.9 blks in 22.8 mins

Strengths: Big-time athlete, shooting potential

Weaknesses: Lacks a post game, strength

NBA Comparison: JaVale McGee

The skinny: Jones will enter the NBA as one of the best athletes at his position — and maybe the best. He can run jump, dunk and do everything at the rim that a modern-day lob-catching big man needs to. It also looks like he’ll be a good shooter long-term and his athleticism and foot-speed means that he could defend out on the perimeter. The downside the Jones is that he needs time to develop. He only started playing organized basketball at 15-years-old.

5. Isaiah Jackson | Kentucky | Fresh. 19-years-old | 6-10, 7-4 wingspan

8.4 pts (54 FG%, 0 3P%, 70 FT%), 6.6 rebs, 0.9 stls, 2.6 blks in 20.8 mins

Strengths: Athleticism, rim protection

Weaknesses: Strength, scoring, playmaking

NBA Comparison: Nerlens Noel

The skinny: Like Jones, Jackson is a big-time athlete and leaper. He can run the floor like a deer, catch lobs, and block shots at the rim especially when he comes over from the weakside. He can block jump shots too. Imagine Jackson in the Clint Capela, Mitchell Robinson rim-running center mold.

6. Day’Ron Sharpe | North Carolina | Fresh. | 19-years-old | 6-11, 7-1 wingspan

9.5 pts (51.9 FG%, 0 3P%, 50.5 FT%), 7.6 rebs, 1.4 asts, 0.9 blks in 19.2 mins

Strengths: Strong screener, nose for the ball, hustler

Weaknesses: No jumpshot, not versatile

NBA Comparison: Richaun Holmes

The skinny: Sharpe has a great motor and that’s a big part of what’s going to get him drafted Thursday. The guy never stops hustling. He’s also a smart player, knows where to be on the defensive end of the floor and does his job. He’s not the above-the-rim center that Kai Jones and Isaiah Jackson are. Sharpe is more of a bruiser but has quicker feet than you’d expect. There are questions about his touch inside and what his offensive game will look like at the NBA level.