Welcome to the Denver Stiffs 2019 NBA Draft primer, the home for Denver Nuggets coverage throughout the entire draft process on Thursday. This article will serve as a landing spot for Nuggets fans to hang out and discuss the days festivities, and Denver Stiffs writers will add to the draft coverage as rumors, draft selections, and trades occur during the day.
This is one of the most exciting days of the NBA calendar, so let’s dive into what Nuggets fans need to know about the NBA Draft this year:
2019 NBA Draft
When: June 20th, 2019 at 5:00 pm MST
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
How to watch: ESPN or the ESPN App (or follow Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter: @wojespn)
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Denver’s draft assets: none
The Nuggets are in the unenviable position of not possessing a single draft pick today. After trading the 2019 first round pick along with Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur to the Brooklyn Nets in a salary dump, Denver’s intrigue on draft night in 2019 became greatly reduced. Denver had already sent a top 55 protected 2019 second round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks after acquiring Roy Hibbert to get up to the salary floor, and because the Nuggets had the fourth best record in the NBA this year, that second rounder actually conveyed.
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What to expect from the Nuggets on draft day
The Nuggets are in a position where they don’t need to make big changes in order to improve their roster. Jarred Vanderbilt played 69 minutes last season. Michael Porter Jr. did not play at all. Both guys are expected to be in the rotation next season so the Nuggets would probably like to see what they have in those two before investing in additional young players going forward.
However, there is always a chance that Denver gets involved in the draft festivities. On Wednesday, the Miami Heat acquired the 44th pick from the Atlanta Hawks for a conditional 2024 second round pick and cash considerations. The Heat didn’t own a second round pick, but they likely identified a player that could contribute to their roster. The Nuggets find themselves in a similar position where they have limited roster spots and only a few holes to fill, but for the right price (and the right player) the Nuggets may acquire a pick during the draft tonight.
What the Nuggets need
- An additional 3&D (3-point and defensive specialist) small forward with size
- A long term answer at power forward behind Paul Millsap
- A third center behind Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee
- A third point guard behind Jamal Murray and Monte Morris
Who the Nuggets could acquire if they trade for a pick
If you’re interested in reading more about players that Denver could be interested in during the draft process, check out: 15 players the Nuggets could trade for in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Stay tuned to Denver Stiffs for the latest news and updates throughout the NBA Draft.
