The Denver Nuggets could become the team to watch in the 2016 NBA Draft with their ton of assets.
Perhaps even more than the fabled Boston Celtics, the Nuggets could be the team to watch as they could probably get a big name on the trade market-possibly Blake Griffin or Kevin Love.
Since trading Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have not had a star and have missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They are definitely in the hunt for a star as mentioned by their GM Tim Connelly in the Denver Post recently.
He was asked on whether the team has a star.
"No, at this point, you can't say we have anyone on the team that is a star. We have guys who are trending that way."
He noted that Danilo Gallinari was the closest they had to calling someone a star, but he did not play enough games (and the Nuggets did not win enough) to merit an All-Star appearance. So, does Connelly want to address this?
"Certainly we're always looking for ways to better our roster. If during the course of conversations we can get a guy we deem a superstar, a top 15-20 player, we'll be aggressive in doing so."
There are possibilities this offseason. Blake Griffin was rumored to be on his way to Denver. While Doc Rivers shot them down, the interest was reasonable and it's likely some inquiries were made. Kevin Love would probably be on the block if the Cleveland Cavaliers fall.
DeMarcus Cousins is in the conversation simply because Coach Mike Malone was the only coach he did not fight with, and he claimed he actually respected. If the Nuggets were to offer enough assets, even the Kings would probably consider, since Cousins will only have two seasons left on his contract.
Just what assets do the Nuggets have? They have two rookies that they could build on in Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic who was a sleeper from the second round. While the Nuggets may want to hold on to them, if there's a chance for a player of that level, the common instinct is to go for it.
The Nuggets also have veterans like the aforementioned Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and also Wilson Chandler but they might need to see how well he returns from a season-long injury. They also have sixth-man candidate Will Barton to boot.
As noted by Hoops Habit in their draft preview, the Nuggets could have three first round picks in 2016-they have a pick swap with New York Knicks in the lottery, the 15th pick in Houston and the 18th from Portland.
The article actually noted that rookie Jokic "has the tools to be a future top-10 player in the entire NBA." If he lives up to that hype, the Kings could probably trade Cousins for him. The Nuggets could also package Gallinari or Faried with first round picks for either Griffin or Love, paired with Jokic and they could have their frontline of the future along with Mudiay at the point.
The Mile High City has placed themselves in a favorable position with so many different paths they could take. This is a pivotal off-season for them.