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Denver Nuggets: Top 5 NBA Draft Possibilities

By Chris Schmaedeke

Nov 18, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) drives against Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) in the 1st half of the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Porter Binks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) drives against Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) in the 1st half of the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Porter Binks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Nuggets are staring at a second straight year of selecting in the top half of the NBA draft.

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After a disappointing 30-52 season in 2014-15, the Nuggets sit with the No. 7 pick. Last season, the Nuggets struggled under Brian Shaw and finished with the 11th pick. The team originally selected Creighton’s Doug McDermott but he was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

After the wheeling and dealing, the Nuggets ended with two picks that were used on Gary Harris and Jusuf Nurkic. Both players showed potential but still have a lot to prove.

Fast forward to this offseason and the Nuggets have a chance to reshape their team and get back on track. There is plenty of talent that could be available at No. 7 and Denver needs to take advantage of it.

Here are the top five players that Nuggets could have a chance at:

5. D’Angelo Russell, PG, Ohio State

This would be quite the dream scenario is the star point guard falls to the Nuggets. He is excepted to go in the top three and even if he slips past the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no way the New York Knicks pass him up at No. 4.

The Nuggets would have to pull off a trade to get there hands on Russell and that deal would probably take Ty Lawson and/or Kenneth Faried. Both players have expressed interest in leaving so it might be a golden chance to move up. It is a long shot but Russell looks he is capable of being a star in the NBA.

4. Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Croatia

Many Nuggets fans cringe at the thought of another player from overseas being brought in, but Hezonja has some skills. Many mock drafts have the Nuggets picking him at No. 7. Hezonja is raw and will take some time to develop an NBA game. He can jump out of the gym and could bring some excitement to the team.

The Nuggets need immediate help and Hezonja may not be able to provide that, but he would be a good pick for the future.

3. Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

The Kentucky freshman is shooting up draft boards due to his strong workouts. Booker was in Denver for a workout last week and displayed his great long-range shooting touch. The Nuggets have been searching for a top-notch shooter since the Carmelo Anthony days so Booker could be a good choice.

No. 7 may be high for him but if the Nuggets want scoring, Booker has to be the guy.

2. Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky

Another talented player from Kentucky could be on the Nuggets’ radar. Cauley-Stein is a shot-blocker and a great option on the pick-and-roll. During his workout with the Nuggets, he displayed some range shooting the ball. But Cauley-Stein really shines on the defensive end. Pairing with Nurkic could form a powerful duo on the inside.

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    • While Cauley-Stein is slender, he is intimidating due to his shot-blocking skill.

    The Nuggets struggled on defense last season and Cauley-Stein would be an upgrade. But this team needs a lot and using a pick on a defensive guy could be a stretch.

    1. Justise Winslow, SG/SF, Duke

    This would be the slam dunk pick for the Nuggets. Winslow really blossomed during Duke’s run to the NCAA title. He looked better at times then possible No. 2 pick Jahlil Okafor. He has the most NBA-ready body and game.

    The Nuggets could play him at shooting guard and have Danilo Gallinari move back to small forward. Those two could become the team’s primary scorers. Winslow, who was in Denver on Wednesday for a workout, could go as high as No. 5 to the Magic but if he falls to No. 7, the Nuggets have to pick him.

    Next: Golden State Warriors: 5 X-Factors In The 2015 NBA Finals

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