2018 NBA Mock Draft: If need were all that mattered

Assuming the Nuggets opt to continue playing this style with Nikola Jokic as their point-center and a team of wings around him, adding Smith to that mix makes a ton of sense.

While his measurement at 6-2 at the combine was disappointing for his prospects of competing against big men like his style warrants, Smith can still be an effective player. He is a smart offensive player despite struggling as a ball-handler and shooter, using smart positioning and movement to create easy buckets off the ball. A 9.6 percent offensive rebounding rate certainly helps, but Smith frequently soared in for lobs and cuts to the rim at Texas Tech as well.

Those skills mesh perfectly with what Denver has in place. Gary Harris is mostly a shooter at this point, while Jamal Murray is still developing as a secondary playmaker. They each ought to be fed as scorers, so Smith’s supporting role on that end would help the offense on the margins.

After adding Paul Millsap last summer, the Nuggets are still trying to find a five-man lineup that can defend. Will Barton was their best option as the fifth guy last year, but he’s a defensive liability. Smith’s insertion might make scoring a bit more difficult, but it would create a more balanced unit, as well as one that is more flexible against different types of teams.