We’re just a few hours away from the 2018 NBA draft and all of our questions will be answered. Which teams are going to trade the farm in order to move up into the top 5 of the draft? Who is going to be the first team to deviate from the field? What the heck are the Sacramento Kings going to do with the 2nd pick? And most important of all, who are the Denver Nuggets going to select with the 14th pick?
We’ve scoured the internet for the latest mock drafts from the most trusted NBA Draft insiders and everyone seems to agree on the same four players: Miles Bridges, Kevin Knox, Zhaire Smith and Robert Williams. Williams seems like a long shot since he is a more traditional forward/center type of player and Denver has their bases covered at those positions. Knox has gained the most pre-draft buzz and might be off of the board by the time the Nuggets are on the clock. The two most likely to fall to Denver are Smith and Bridges.
Take a look at what everyone had to say about Denver’s position in the draft and click on the links to read more about the reasoning behind each mock draft’s pick. You can also check out our NBA Draft scouting reports for all of the players mentioned right here on Denver Stiffs.
The Ringer: Mikal Bridges
“He’s a good defender, he’s a good shooter, he’s a good player. 14 is pretty low for him but maybe that’s how the draft is going to play out.”
The Ringer: (2nd mock draft) Zhaire Smith
ESPN: Kevin Knox
“He’s a good shooter who is comfortable making jumpers on the move, and has shown the ability to defend multiple positions thanks to his size, length and mobility.”
Sporting News: Miles Bridges
“(Denver is) short on wings, though, and Bridges is too athletic to pass here.”
SB Nation: Kevin Knox
“Denver could use another versatile wing. Kevin Knox is a no-brainer if he’s still on the board.”
USA Today: Miles Bridges
“An explosive athlete with three-point range, the biggest question for Bridges is on-court fit.”
HoopsHype: Robert Williams
“Paul Millsap is now 33 years of age so there’s definitely a need for the team to find his eventual replacement.”
The Athletic: Miles Bridges
“This would be a remarkable steal for the Nuggets, and it’s looking increasingly more likely given that players such as Knox and Walker have continued to rise.”
NBA.com: Miles Bridges
“The Nuggets have existing and/or emerging answers on their roster everywhere but the three. Bridges fixes that.”
Sports Illustrated: Kevin Knox
“Knox has a higher range variance than most of the top prospects and there’s a chance he falls toward the back part of the lottery. If he gets to Denver, he’d be a natural fit given their long-term need for a wing and the uncertainty surrounding Wilson Chandler.”
NBADraft.net: Zhaire Smith
Bleacher Report: Robert Williams