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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Built On Unpredictability

By Aaron Ferguson

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Malachi Richardson #23 of the Syracuse Orange drives to the basket in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at NRG Stadium on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Malachi Richardson #23 of the Syracuse Orange drives to the basket in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at NRG Stadium on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

15. Denver Nuggets – Malachi Richardson (Syracuse)

Denver is in good shape to add depth to their roster, but with three picks in the top 19 they are likely to trade one or two of them. Adding to the best point guard in the draft, Malachi Richardson brings a versatile scorer to add to the bench.

Richardson, 20, is a scorer that takes a lot of shots, but in his only season at Syracuse he lacked consistency. His slash line was .370/.353/.720 and he scored 13.4 points in 34.4 minutes per game. His efficient field goal percentage was 46.6 percent, and he struggled due to an inconsistent shooting technique.

Despite his inconsistent jump shot, Richardson uses his quickness to get to the rim in transition and in the half court. He’s good at finishing contested layups and will find a lot of points in the paint.

Richardson showed flashes of greatness in March, when the stakes were high. He scored 21 points in his opening round game against Dayton and followed that with a 21-point second half to lead the Orange over Virginia.

Defensively, Richardson will use his quickness to stay in front of defenders, but he will need to add strength as his body matures to have a chance at guarding multiple positions. Right now he looks locked in to the shooting guard position or as a small-ball small forward.

The Nuggets already have a good backcourt, but adding Richardson gives them a prospect to develop, and an offensive scorer. Richardson is similar to another former Nugget that loves to shoot, and J.R. Smith is still filling a role in the NBA Finals.

Next: 16. Boston Celtics

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