Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Western Conference franchise

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

. team. 73. . . . Denver Nuggets

Biggest needs: Forward/center

Projected pick: 22 (Via Houston)

The Nuggets have “arrived” in the NBA, making historic comebacks against both Utah and the Clippers to get to this point. Jamal Murray has proven already to be every bit worth the 5-year, 140 million dollar contract given last offseason, while Nikola Jokic is a superstar center after his dominant effort over LA.

What should make the other western franchises concerned is that this team still hasn’t reached its collected ceiling. Former first-round pick Michael Porter Jr. has shown superstar flashes, while 7’2 center Bol Bol has promise also. Gary Harris is also locked up for the future, while role players Monte Morris, Will Barton, and Torrey Craig ae each locked up for the future.

Even with Paul Millsap’s 30 million dollar cap hit coming off the boards this offseason, Denver isn’t going to have too much cap room to work with. With both he and backup center Mason Plumlee set to hit the free-agent market, the Nuggets should use their lone current draft pick to find a potential rotational piece in the frontcourt. Between the health history of Porter Jr. and Bol along with not wanting to wear out Jokic, this player could find plenty of playing time.

Targets that would make some sense in the 20-range would include Jalen Smith, Isaiah Stewart, and Zeke Nnaji. The forward from Arizona Nnaji has a game that fits the Nuggets best with his ability to stretch the floor and could play alongside Jokic at the power forward spot. They can afford to go for a high-ceiling prospect since the key pieces aren’t going anywhere.

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