Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Denver Nuggets

• No. 14: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri
• No. 41: Jarred Vanderbilt, Kentucky (via Orlando Magic)
• No. 58: Thomas Welsh, UCLA

The Denver Nuggets got the potential steal of the draft when Michael Porter Jr. — a former consensus top-five pick — fell all the way to the end of the lottery. If he can put these medical concerns about his back and his hip behind him, he has a chance to make a lot of teams regret passing him up.

At nearly 6’11”, MPJ is an athletic forward who can pull up from just about anywhere on the court. The Kevin Durant comparisons were always a bit much, but his ability to shoot off the dribble is a little reminiscent of the two-time reigning Finals MVP. There are health concerns, of course, and he may miss most of the upcoming season, but the Nuggets may have addressed some of their issues on the wing (even if he projects as a small-ball 4).

The Nuggets also traded their No. 43 pick to the Orlando Magic for Kentucky’s Jarred Vanderbilt at No. 41. Vanderbilt needs work, but he’s a very aggressive, energetic and versatile player who can defend multiple positions and sets the tone on that end. He can’t shoot at all, which is why he fell so far, but his versatility and lockdown ability on defense should help shore up the wing if he makes the roster.

Finally, Thomas Welsh out of UCLA was the pick at No. 58. Hardly projected to make the cut in the top 60 picks — eh, what does it matter? The Nuggets’ first two picks were so good this selection wouldn’t hurt them if he doesn’t pan out and could only make them look better if he does.

Grade: A-