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Because the Denver Nuggets are such a deep team, there are not too many clear-cut needs for them. They could use a legitimate post threat. Kenneth Faried is still developing his offensive game and uncertainties about JaVale McGee still exist. However, with the 20th overall pick, there are various ways they could go.
Andrew Nicholson from the St. Bonaventure Bonnies seems like the best pick; a stretch-4 that can shoot the ball well and could contribute right away, hopefully becoming something similar to David West. Although Nicholson is a safe pick, a player like North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Kendall Marshall or Iowa State Cyclones forward Royce White would each be better picks for the Nuggets.
Kendall Marshall could be gone at the 20th spot. If he's not, the Nuggets should select him. He would add to the Nuggets' already strong depth and provide a great complement to the fast Ty Lawson, with great court vision and his ability to make those around him better. He has good size for a point guard at 6-foot-4 and could come in and immediately contribute as well, giving the Nuggets a more dynamic second unit than what they had with Andre Miller as the point guard.
Marshall doesn't necessarily have to be an All-Star for this to be a great pick; at No. 20, he just has to be a guy that marginally improves the team and fits George Karl's system, which is what he can do easily. In a recent SB Nation NBA mock draft, Marshall goes at No. 19 to Orlando, yet in other mocks he has been available at 20. Even if Nicholson is there at No. 20 and Marshall isn't, I still don't think Nicholson is the right pick.
Naturally, Royce White seems like the risky pick; yet to get a talent this good this late in the draft doesn't seem like too much risk. He has anxiety problems, and although George Karl isn't a perfect coach for him, with a strong supporting fan base, and a team that has success every year, he could really focus on what he does best. He's a better option than Nicholson because he can pass, rebound and score. He's a playmaker; he can handle the ball very well for his size and would have a bigger impact than Nicholson. More importantly, a 6-foot-8 point forward is harder to find than a stretch-4.
Moreover, Marshall would be the ideal pick at 20, then White and then Nicholson. With Marshall, you're getting a true point guard who makes those around him better and provides a perfect counterpart to Lawson. With White, you're getting a playmaker off the bench, someone who can create his own shot at any time, a necessary component for any NBA team. With Nicholson, you're getting a defender who can space the floor with his shot and rebound well. Ultimately, if the Nuggets select any of these three players, they should be in good shape.
