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Denver Nuggets: 2018 NBA Draft grades

By Matthew Hallett

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Michael Porter Jr. talks to the media after being selected fourteenth overall by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Michael Porter Jr. talks to the media after being selected fourteenth overall by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 41: Jarred Vanderbilt, Kentucky (via Orlando Magic)

The Denver Nuggets traded pick No. 43 and a future second round pick with the Orlando Magic in return for pick No. 41. The Magic chose Jarred Vanderbilt and sent him to the Nuggets. It seems a fairly steep price to move up just two selections.

However, there are some things you can get deep in the second round that are important to a franchise — like, say, a 7’1″ wingspan and the ability to defend multiple positions. Vanderbilt is a defensive specialist. His shot is not there are the moment, but the Nuggets have plenty of scoring on their roster.

Vanderbilt is also under an injury cloud. He was only able to play 14 games last season due to a foot injury. There is a need to polish Vanderbilt’s game. He is a freshly mined diamond, but this simply means he will get plenty of time in the G League.

On top of his defensive potential, Vanderbilt is also a hungry rebounder. His ability on the boards gave him a higher rebounding average than higher drafted players such as Deandre Ayton and Mohamed Bamba.

Vanderbilt has an unknown upside. If he can learn how to shoot, he could become player of similar capabilities to Draymond Green.

Grade: B+

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