Nuggets 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick

The Nuggets once again entered the postseason carrying legitimate championship aspirations. Jokic continued to perform at an MVP level. Jamal Murray delivered his usual clutch shot-making in high-pressure moments. Denver finished among the Western Conference contenders. They appeared capable of making another deep playoff run.

That optimism quickly disappeared during a difficult first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota’s combination of size, athleticism and defensive versatility repeatedly exposed Denver’s lack of reliable depth. When Jokic rested, the Nuggets struggled to maintain offensive rhythm. Defensively, they lacked enough athletic forwards capable of switching across multiple positions. Their frontcourt rotation simply could not match Minnesota’s physicality over an entire series. Those shortcomings clearly shaped Denver’s approach to the draft.

Calculated business decision

Trade Grade: B+

The most significant move Denver made was the trade they did with San Antonio. With the No. 26 overall pick, the Nuggets selected Tarris Reed Jr out of UConn. Soon after, they elected to trade Reed to the Spurs in exchange for the No. 35 pick (Trevon Brazile) and two future second-round selections.

At first glance, trading their original first-round pick can appear overly conservative. Teams often find valuable contributors late in the first round. Denver certainly had roster needs that could have justified keeping the selection.

However, context matters. Denver needed to balance roster improvement with financial flexibility. Trading back accomplished both objectives. The Nuggets avoided the financial commitment attached to a first-round contract. They also added two future draft assets that could become valuable trade chips down the road. For a team that has limited flexibility, asset accumulation remains important.

The move was not without risk, of course. Reed has a lot of upside. Denver could have used him well. Instead, the Nuggets accepted the uncertainty that accompanies the second round. Still, from a roster-building perspective, the transaction demonstrated disciplined long-term thinking.

Trevon Brazile at No. 35

Grade: A-

After moving back, Denver wasted little time addressing one of its biggest weaknesses by selecting Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile.

Few players available in the second round possess Brazile’s physical profile. He stands nearly 6-foot-10 with a remarkable 7-foot-4 wingspan and elite vertical explosiveness. Brazile immediately gives Denver an athletic frontcourt defender. That athleticism should translate well alongside Jokic.

The Serbian superstar consistently creates easy scoring opportunities for mobile big men through his elite passing. Brazile’s ability to sprint the floor, finish lobs and attack the offensive glass fits naturally within Denver’s offensive philosophy. Defensively, his mobility allows him to contest shots and switch onto smaller players.

There are still areas requiring development. Brazile’s perimeter shooting remains inconsistent. He will need to continue improving his overall offensive decision-making to earn consistent minutes. Even so, Denver did not draft him to become a primary scorer.

They drafted him because elite athleticism, defensive versatility and length were exactly what this roster lacked. Considering where he was selected, Brazile represents outstanding value.

Bryce Hopkins at No. 49

Grade: B

Denver continued strengthening its forward rotation by selecting Bryce Hopkins later in the second round. Hopkins arrives with a considerably different skill set than Brazile. Hopkins may not possess elite explosiveness. However, he compensates with physical strength and a polished understanding of how to play winning basketball. Throughout his collegiate career, he demonstrated the ability to score in multiple ways, rebound consistently and defend several frontcourt positions. Hopkins can earn minutes through reliability rather than spectacular athleticism. He embraces physical play and attacks the glass aggressively.

His athletic limitations likely prevent him from becoming an elite perimeter defender against the NBA’s quickest wings, though. Nevertheless, finding an experienced, physically mature forward with proven production near the end of the second round represents solid value.

Overall draft grade

Final Grade: B+

Excitement was never the Nuggets’ objective. Instead, Denver approached the draft with discipline. They addressed roster construction through a combination of financial flexibility and practical basketball fit. Trading down added future draft assets while creating additional salary flexibility. Brazile injected desperately needed athleticism into the frontcourt. Hopkins strengthened the team’s overall depth.

Denver became longer, younger and more athletic without sacrificing future flexibility. Brazile could develop into the versatile frontcourt defender many scouts believe he can become. Hopkins may provide reliable depth behind the starters. With that, the Nuggets may eventually look back on this understated draft as one that quietly extended their championship window. For a franchise still chasing another title with Jokic at the peak of his powers, that is a successful night’s work.