Biggest Winners and Losers From the Nuggets' 2026 NBA Draft

The Denver Nuggets’ 2026 NBA Draft drew a measured reaction, after the team traded out of the first round to select 35th from the San Antonio Spurs while adding a future second-round pick. Although the move initially looked disappointing, the article argues it produced value by combining an extra future asset with rookie impact from Trevon Brazile. By the draft’s end, Denver’s haul included Brazile, Bryce Hopkins, and the future second-round pick. Among the cited winners, Julian Strawther stands out: despite expectations of drafting a guard, the Nuggets selected two forwards, leaving Strawther as the primary backup guard heading into next season. Strawther averaged 7.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 15.1 minutes last season, shooting 46.7% from the field and 38.7% from three. The article also notes the team’s likely reliance on free agent guards, including Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Jalen Pickett, and Tyus Jones, while flagging Zeke Nnaji as a loser.