#7 Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay

The Nuggets grabbed high-upside prospect Emmanuel Mudiay with the seventh pick in the 2015 draft.

Mudiay, who played this previous season in the Chinese Basketball Association and is therefore shrouded in perhaps more mystery than any other top prospect, nevertheless has quite a high ceiling and plenty of intrigue. He’s an excellent athlete with superb handles for a 19-year-old, and his 6’5 height and 6’8.5 wingspan will allow him to see over many defenders and utilize his elite court vision. He’s also strong and capable of drawing plenty of fouls while getting to the rack.

As a fit for Denver, Mudiay seems quite solid. He’ll be their offensive centerpiece of the future and the one charged with anchoring their offense, and should fit in excellently with head coach Mike Malone and his disciplined, but progressive, style. The Nuggets have been forthcoming about their desire to push the pace and run in transition, and this is one of the central areas Mudiay excels in. He also has tons of potential as a defender, with excellent lateral mobility and the ability to hound opposing ball-handlers – Marcus Smart could be a decent comparison point for his defensive potential, should be be able to maintain focus on that end.

For Denver, assuming they hold onto this selection, the writing appears to be even more clear on the wall for Ty Lawson. He’s reportedly been on the block for quite a while already, and with the Nuggets selecting another lead ball-handler, it feels like his time is ending. Denver could look to move him for help elsewhere and hand the keys to Mudiay from the jump, and Lawson has enough value remaining that they could bring back a real asset or two for him.