The Nuggets should be able to garner a top five pick since they have a shot with their pick as well as the Knicks since they will get to keep the better of the two. The Nuggets can forget about drafting Jamal Murray or Kris Dunn, two of the top point guard prospects, because Mudiay fills that need. I would also be surprised if the Nuggets went with a center unless Nurkic took no steps forward in his game. That leaves power forward, shooting guard or small forward if a prospect really sets himself away from the field. I really believe they need to upgrade at the power forward spot. I love Faried, but I think it is time for him to start coming off of the bench where he would be better suited. If the Nuggets end up getting a top two pick in the draft, they would be set with either Ben Simmons Skal Labissiere. They are the two best prospects in the draft. Drafting either of these two would be a dream come true for the Nuggets. Ben Simmons can possibly play either forward spot, although he is probably better fit for playing the four in the NBA. He has tremendous athleticism and once finds an offensive game in the NBA, he will be deadly on both sides of the floor. Skal can play either center or power forward, but I think he will fit better at the four in the NBA due to his light frame. Both of these guys can shoot, which is a almost a must for big men now. Drafting either of these two would be the best case scenario for the Nuggets at this point.
Say the Nuggets land the fifth pick, they would probably draft Ivan Rabb or Dragan Bender. Both of them are a bit more raw than Skal and Simmons. Rabb is a 6-10 220 pound power forward who needs to work on expanding his post move repertoire. He also needs work on his low post defense, other than shot blocking he does not seem to provide anything else on defense. Dragan Bender is a 7-0 215 pound power forward coming out of Croatia. It is not known if he will come to the NBA the year that he is drafted. He also needs to put on weight and still has a very raw game, he is much like Porzingis in that regard.
The Nuggets will likely also have Houston's draft pick as long as they make the playoffs. If Portland surprises and makes the playoffs (not likely), then they would also get their pick. Houston's pick will likely be in the late 20's. The Nuggets might want to look at a 2 guard in order to add depth at the position. If Gary Harris does not improve, they will be very thin in that area heading into the 2016 season if they do not pick someone up.
*Obviously it is very early and things could change dramatically considering all of the players I listed had not played one minute of college basketball. However, it fills the gap between free agency and training camp.
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