Denver Nuggets: 5 options for pick No. 13 in 2017 NBA Draft

3. Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

If Denver really wants to draft a backup big, then Jarrett Allen might just be the guy. The true freshman out of Texas boasts Patton’s size (6’10 1/4″ , 9’1 1/2″ standing reach , 7’5″ 1/4 wingspan) and Collins’ athleticism (31.5″ vertical). He’s an animal on the glass, has a variety of post moves, and has a higher defensive upside than the other two bigs.

Allen has inferior stats to Patton and Collins, but he’s younger, and his team was awful. It wouldn’t be fair to expect great numbers from the 19-year-old. He’s got a lot of upside, and he has the type of frame that has to excite Steve Hess, Denver’s legendary head of strength and conditioning.

According to Draft Express:

"“A large part of the appeal with Allen surrounds his physical profile. Despite standing just 6’9 without shoes, a hair short for a center, he has a tremendous 7’5 ¼ wingspan, a 9’1 ½ standing reach, gigantic hands, and a 234 pound frame that will fill out nicely in time.”"

Drafting a backup center may seem like a waste with a star like Jokic and reinforcements in Faried and Plumlee, but Denver is in dire need of a defensive-minded big. Plumlee never ended up providing the rim protection the Nuggets needed, and was less than inspirational on offense. He proved to be ineffective when used beside the large Serbian.

As he enters restricted free agency, the Nuggets may be forced to match a contract they’d rather not. Letting him walk could become an option if a guy like Allen is available at No. 13. Denver would benefit greatly from his defensive upside and ability to grab boards when Jokic hits the bench. Ideally, he could also play alongside him in limited minutes.

The latter is where it gets harder to justify Allen as Denver’s guy. He does his best work in the paint, and while he possesses some touch, he’s hardly a stretch-4. Denver already learned the hard way that you can’t just jam two bigs down low in the modern NBA. If Allen seems like the right fit to you, you’re likely thinking that he won’t see much time on the floor with Jokic.

All of these aforementioned players are worth considering for Denver, but it will be hard to justify selecting a big if the next two wings are available.