NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Denver Nuggets

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 04: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) dribbles the ball in a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 04, 2018 at Value City Arena in Columbus, OH. The Buckeyes won 75-67. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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The Nuggets found success drafting another Kentucky guard in Jamal Murray, who has developed into a starting caliber guard for Denver. Gilgeous-Alexander blossomed as the season progressed for the Wildcats, showing an ability to get into the paint, score, run an offense, and play defense. These are all things the Nuggets need in a backup point guard, especially after trading Emmanuel Mudiay to the New York Knicks at the trade deadline in 2018.

Gilgeous-Alexander has the length, agility, and acumen to be a solid perimeter defender in the NBA. The Nuggets have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA during Michael Malone’s tenure, and while the former Kings coach has preached defense, he doesn’t have the talent for a team that is going to be winning games because of their defense.

Gilgeous-Alexander has the wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and make things difficult for guards in the NBA. He’s able to contest shots better on closeouts, and be a nuisance while guards try to drive to the rim against him. He’s able to slither around screens, and he communicates well with his backline defenders.

A rookie point guard backing up a third-year point guard may not be the best recipe for success for a team to make the playoffs, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.

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