The Nuggets could add some depth in the draft.
The NBA Draft is almost here and with the draft lottery order finally set, the mock draft results are finally in.
For the Denver Nuggets, who are more inclined to head into next season with the majority of the same core, adding some new life via the draft is the most immediate way that the Nuggets can improve.
Granted, the Nuggets are picking at 26th overall after a mostly successful 20256-26 campaign, but considering the talent that's going to be available in this upcoming draft, there's still potential for the Nuggets to land a high-impact player late in the first round.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesPer ClutchPoints' latest mock draft, the Nuggets are projected to select point guard Benett Stirtz out of Iowa.
"Bennett Stirtz is not the exact type of player the Denver Nuggets need this offseason, but he's an older guard who is expected to slip a little bit in the draft because of younger, higher-potential players rising during the pre-draft process... Stirtz falling into their laps could be a blessing in disguise," Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints wrote.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesStirtz averaged 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 35.8% from three as a cornerstone of the Hawkeyes lineup.
He certainly won't be an immediate impact player for the Nuggets and in the best-case scenario, he'll be a dependable backup behind Jamal Murray that will give head coach David Adelman some more flexibility when it comes to subbing out his guards.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) reacts after beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesIt wouldn't be the kind of pick that would immediately change the makeup of the Nuggets, but it would increase their depth, which is something that was severely tested this past season with the amount of injuries that the Nuggets' biggest stars suffered throughout the season.
The Nuggets have good reason to feel confident in the existing team they had that despite all of the adversity they faced, they still managed to reach the 3-seed in the Western Conference.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) dribbles the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesBy retaining the majority of the core that had so much success, the small addition of someone like Stirtz could be the kind of the supplemental move that would make the Nuggets that much better and keep them competitive in the Western Conference.
It may not be the kind of blockbuster move that other teams in the league will be poised to make this season, but it could still be a great way for the Nuggets to fill out their depth.