The Denver Nuggets went a long way towards building around star center Nikola Jokic at the draft. We present their 2017 NBA Draft grades for the night.
The 2017 NBA Draft was interesting for the Denver Nuggets.
After Malik Monk fell all the way to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 11 and Luke Kennard went No. 12 to the Detroit Pistons, most thought Denver had an easy choice in front of them: Donovan Mitchell.
And that is who the Nuggets picked! Except, not really.
Apparently, Denver was awestruck by an offer they received from the Utah Jazz, and found it too good to pass up. So the following trade happened:
A surprising deal, and to be totally honest, kind of a weird one.
The Nuggets’ defense was terrible in 2016-17. Though future superstar center Nikola Jokic made his team’s offense scorch once he became the full-time starter on Dec. 15, his presence in the middle had the opposite effect on the less glamorous side of the ball.
From that date through the end of the regular season, Denver ranked first in offensive rating at 111.3, but placed dead last in defensive rating, with a paltry 111.9 mark. Simply put, Jokic’s lack of athleticism kills his ability to protect the paint, and thus, the Nuggets’ defensive efficiency.
One way to mask that problem is by filling the roster with elite perimeter defenders. Players like Mitchell — who is heralded as the best defensive guard in his class, and boasts a freakish 6’10” wingspan — and who was there for the taking.
Instead, Denver drafted him and traded him to Utah — a totally inexplicable move.
Nonetheless, the Nuggets made three picks on the night, so here are their draft grades.