24. Denver Nuggets select A.J. Johnson
The defending champions must find gems in the draft to round out their roster. Their track record is strong and the franchise will continue to develop those talents. Denver will likely be searching for another wing who increases their versatility.
Johnson is a 6’5 wing who must add mass to be a viable rotation player in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how it impacts him in the NBL. His first seven games with Illawara have been forgettable as the 18-year-old averaged 2.4 points and 1.0 assist in just 8.6 minutes per game.
Right now, Johnson is a bucket-getter who struggles to score inside given his lack of mass. He must prove he can get to his spots and consistently knock down jumpers. His defense will be subpar, but the 6’5 wing has the athletic ability.
There is a lot to like about the teenager’s game, but this would be a developmental selection. A.J. Johnson is likely at least three seasons away from being an NBA rotation player.
The Denver Nuggets just won the championship and can afford to have a blossoming talent at the end of their roster. Even if Johnson just becomes a sixth-man scorer, that is a valuable role, especially during the 82-game regular season grind.