NBA Draft: 5 players Denver Nuggets need to target
By Brad Weiss
Ellenson grew up two hours away from Minneapolis, so the Timberwolves may snatch him at number 5. However, he has the potential to be a solid forward in the league, and has the shooting ability to be a stretch forward down the line. In 33 games last season at Marquette, Ellenson hit 30 three-pointers, while shooting almost 30 percent from being the arc.
In total, Ellenson averaged 17.0 points per game during his Freshman season, while shooting 44.6 percent from the field. He also averaged 9.7 rebounds per game, while blocking an average of 1.5 shots per contest. He had his best game on January 30, 2016, when he scored 32 points in a home win against Butler. In that contest, Ellenson grabbed ten rebounds, blocked six shots, and went an impressive 14-16 from the free throw line.
The knock on Ellenson is that he can be bullied, and that he needs to work on being better on the block. He is still very young, and will only get better, and stronger with time. He has a nice set of skills, and would be an intriguing piece of the puzzle if the Nuggets grab him at seven.
If the Nuggets do select Ellenson, he will likely start out as a Power Forward, playing behind Kenneth Faried to start his career. He has a solid handle for a big man, can face up a defender, and has an average post game. His main weakness is his defense, which will only improve under the tutelage of Head Coach Michael Malone.
Next: No. 4 Timothe Luwawu