The Denver Nuggets looked to Europe with its first-round pick in 2012, drafting guard Evan Fournier. The initial reaction to the pick is not altogether kind, but Nate Timmons of Denver Stiffs hopes general manager Masai Ujiri's international background will prove good with this pick:
But Masai Ujiri also comes from a very good international scouting background and the Nuggets did their homework on Fournier, you can be sure of that. Afterall, he actually worked out for the team ... unlike Skita. With 15 players on the roster for now, this could be a sneaky good pick as Denver could bring Fournier over after a little more seasoning in France.
We might expect more immediate dividends for the Nuggets with second-round pick Quincy Miller, drafted 38th overall. As Timmons writes:
Miller is a very intriguing player and a phenomenal value in the second-round. Had he stayed for his Sophomore season at Baylor, Miller might have played himself into the 2013 lottery. His tore his ACL his senior season in high school and was still somewhat recovering from a tough injury during his freshman season. This is a great pick for the Nuggets and a player who mirrors his game after Kevin Durant.
Obviously, no one is expecting a second-round pick to transform into Durant, but the Nuggets could have a steal on their hands if Miller can build on his potential. He'll just need to find a way to make a crowded roster.
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