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Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft class

By Simon Shortt

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) reaches for a loose ball in front of Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) reaches for a loose ball in front of Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Denver Nuggets

Original Pick: Jamal Murray
New Pick: Thon Maker

The Denver Nuggets selected Murray in this draft and it had a direct impact on the minutes of Emmanual Mudiay. So while they look to potentially move on from their 2015 first round pick, they will not get that chance in this re-draft. They could select Dunn here, but Murray’s ability to shoot/score as well as facilitate was part of his appeal, and something not quite in Dunn’s game yet.

Instead, the Nuggets would select Thon Maker, who had an impressive year for the Milwaukee Bucks. With great length, motor and defensive instincts he could help cover up Nikola Jokic’s defensive deficiencies. His offensive versatility would also allow him to play with the team’s star, and potentially cause some real matchup problems down the road.

With forwards Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari all potentially gone by Maker’s third or fourth year, consistent starting minutes would be in the near future, while still giving him time to develop.