The Nuggets have enough depth to swing for the fences here. Jaden McDaniels isn’t the best prospect available, but he’s arguably the best talent — or, at least, the highest ceiling. At 6-foot-10, McDaniels drew a number of irresponsible Kevin Durant comparisons coming out of high school. He’s not KD, and never will be, but the upside is still tantalizing.
McDaniels never settled into a groove at Washington. He was too often aloof on defense, and too often inconsequential on offense. But, given his natural talent — a silky 6-foot-10 wing who can shoot over the top of defenders and, on paper, cover large swathes of ground on defense — Denver can hope for development over time.
With the rise of Michael Porter Jr., Denver already has a replacement in line for Paul Millsap. Not to mention Jerami Grant, Will Barton, Torey Craig, Gary Harris, and others who can absorb minutes between the three and four spots. McDaniels probably wouldn’t touch the floor as a rookie, but Denver has an strong track record of prospect development. He’s a worthwhile project.