NBA Draft: Redrafting 1st Round Of 2014 NBA Draft

Redrafting The 1st Round Of The 2014 NBA Draft

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Andrew Wiggins (Kansas) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) posts up against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Houston Rockets: Jusuf Nurkic, Bosnia

Original selection: 16th by the Chicago Bulls (later traded to the Denver Nuggets)

2015-16 statistics: 5.9 PPG 4.7 RPG 0.9 BPG 11.80 PER

Coming into the draft, Jusuf Nurkic was an attractive prospect because of his 7’0″ height and 7’2″ wingspan. What made him even more of a fit in the NBA was his physicality and soft touch around the rim.

Nurkic has been consistent numbers-wise for the Nuggets since his rookie season, always providing a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. Even with his numbers looking impressive for a backup in his second season, Nurkic would still likely fall if the 2014 draft was redone.

If the Rockets were able to draft Nurkic, it would mean a much better option behind Dwight Howard at center. Montrezl Harrell is a great energy guy as he fills the role currently, but Nurkic’s physicality would lead to much more production if the two players were swapped.

Next: No. 26