2020 NBA Draft mock 5.0: First 31 picks in early October

2020 NBA Draft mock #22: Denver Nuggets (via Rockets)- Jaden McDaniels

The Nuggets reached the Western Conference Finals, but have some important roster decisions to make this offseason. Key rotation players Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap, Torrey Craig, and Mason Plumlee are all set to be free agents. The Nuggets will have to spend into the luxury tax to re-sign everyone. With four frontcourt players hitting the market, expect Denver to be searching for a replacement in the draft.

Jaden McDaniels is a raw talent with an intriguing skill set. The 6’9 forward averaged 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 31.1 minutes per game while connecting on just 40.5 percent from the field. McDaniels is developing a 3-point shot but hit 33.9 percent of his 127 attempts during his lone college season.

Scouts are drooling over his defensive potential. McDaniels could become a switchable big man that can protect the rim and guard on the perimeter. Teams would love to see him get a handle on his fouling and improve his rebounding because the rest of the tools are there to be a standout defender.

The Nuggets are like to draft raw talent with a massive upside. They have had success developing similar players in recent years, and give it another try with Jaden McDaniels.

Next: No. 23