Busting Brackets
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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a game sealing 3 point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 125-117. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a game sealing 3 point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 125-117. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Nuggets

Record in 2016-17: 40-42 (9th in the Western Conference)

Draft picks: 24th overall, 49th overall, 51st overall

Jonathan Givony Projections: John Collins (#13), Tyler Dorsey (#49), Vlatko Cancar (#51)

Lukas Harkins Projections: Justin Jackson (#13), Devin Robinson (#49), Wesley Iwundu (#51)

Draft Outlook: Led by star Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets are a rising team in the NBA. They were very close to making the playoffs this past season, and they have three draft picks coming their way, including one in the lottery. The backcourt seems to be in fine shape thanks to Emmanuel Mudiay, Jamaal Murray, and Gary Harris, so it seems likely that the team goes in the direction of small or power forward during this year’s draft, as both of the mocks mentioned above suggest. From there, the team can hopefully count on the development of their young players to make the playoffs in the West next season. The Nuggets are a team certainly trending in the right direction, but that will need to continue into the next few years. They cannot afford a season of falling apart and they definitely need to keep their stars healthy, most importantly Nikola Jokic.

#24 overall: PF Tyler Lydon, Syracuse

After trading out of the lottery, the Nuggets are still able to snag a top-notch shooter. Nikola Jokic is the man in the Denver, and Lydon becomes just another knockdown shooter that he can pass to. At this point in the draft, this is a very solid selection for the Nuggets as he can come in and be counted on to help. At #24, there aren’t always rotation players on the board. Grade: B+.

#49 overall: SF Vlatko Cancar, Mega Bemax

Unlikely to find playing time right away, but the Nuggets need some help on the wing at small forward. Cancar is a project for the future, but worth it this late in the draft. Grade: C+.

#51 overall: PG Monte Morris, Iowa State

An elite playmaker at the college level, Monte Morris does not make mistakes. He is not going to wow you with a flashy pass, but he will make the right decision and limit turnovers, something very valuable in an NBA guard. Grade: B-. 

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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