How did the Denver Nuggets do in the NBA Draft?
The Denver Nuggets entered the 2026 NBA Draft with the 26th and 49th overall picks.
On night one, they traded the 26th pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the 35th overall pick and two future second round picks. They retained the 49th overall pick going into night two.
With the 35th overall pick, the Nuggets selected forward Trevon Brazile out of Arkansas. He stands 6'10'' and weighs 226 pounds. He averaged 13 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks during his senior season at Arkansas.
With the 49th overall pick, they selected forward Bryce Hopkins out of St. John's. He stands 6'6'' and weighs 218 pounds. He averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in his senior season at. St. John's.
How Brazile Fits
It's easy to see how Brazile could be viewed as an Aaron Gordon replacement. He plays above the rim, he's a disruptor on defense, and his shot is hopefully good enough to keep defenses honest.
He doesn't create much off the dribble for himself or others, but Denver would just be asking him to make the right cuts in the half court and get out and run in transition. He's well-equipped to do both, on top of being a lob threat and a strong finisher around the rim.
He's obviously not as polished as Gordon, but he has similar raw physical tools that Gordon came into the league with before injuries and age slowed him down.
How Hopkins Fits
Hopkins is similar to Brazile, but doesn't have quite the same above the rim play. He is a physically gifted athlete who is versatile on both ends of the floor, though he's not the same weak-side rim protector that Brazile could be.
He's better at creating for himself, even if much of his creation is getting to the rim.
He is an older prospect as he'll be 25 by opening night, but the Nuggets needed guys who can contribute right away. He does have a knee injury that cost him nearly two seasons that could be a concern moving forward, and will need to work on his shot.
Overall Grade - B
Second round picks don't have a high hit rate in the NBA, but Denver seems to be better on their forward of the future with one of these picks. While Brazile looks to be a better fit and prospect, there is a pathway for Hopkins to stick on the roster long-term.
Aaron Gordon isn't gone, but it looks like Denver is at least trying to have a back-up plan.
