With nine days to go until the 2011 NBA Draft, SB Nation's Tim Ziller puts on his serious face for his latest 2011 NBA Mock Draft. For the Nuggets at the No. 22 pick that means no more Jeremy Tyler as the selection (though this time he is from the Land of Oz, not the sea. Still need to put in joke somewhere, right?)
While Morehead State's Kenneth Faried has become a player of interest for the Nuggets, in this mock draft the defensive stalwart goes one pick before the Nuggets'. Left with seeking other choices in this scenario, the Nuggets turn to a small forward:
22. Denver Nuggets: Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
It's unclear how wedded to spending to keep Wilson Chandler the Nuggets will be; Hamilton might be a better young player in short order.
Chandler, if he is brought back, is likely coming off the bench, as Arron Afflalo and Danilo Gallinari, acquired with Chandler and Raymond Felton in the Carmelo Anthony trade, are projected to start. Chandler averaged just 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21 games for the Nuggets.
Jordan Hamilton has the potential to be a big-time scorer and the Nuggets' offense could help him meet that. How much playing time he would receive as a rookie, though, is a question saved for the next season?