The 2011 NBA Draft Lottery is just a few hours away, though we already know that the Denver Nuggets will hold a non-lottery selection at No. 22. Over at DraftExpress, a pre-lottery, team needs-based mock draft was released on Tuesday morning, and it may lead some Nuggets fans to wonder what is going on with it.
Without adding any explanation for the pick, DraftExpress goes with Boston College point guard Reggie Jackson as the selection. The Nuggets are already well-placed at the position with Ty Lawson, who emerged as the starter after the Carmelo Anthony trade, and Raymond Felton, who arrived as part of that deal. Adding another point guard would likely mean riding the bench for at least one season (Felton's contract ends after the 2011-12 season).
Jackson averaged 18.2 point, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 34 games as a junior in 2010-11. What does play in his favor (well, in the mind of the mock drafter) is that Jackson is a Colorado Springs, CO native. But the Nuggets needn't look for a local player to draft. With Nene likely opting for free agency and Kenyon Martin also a free agent, the Nuggets need help in the front court.