Denver Nuggets' draft history shines brightest with Nikola Jokić, the 41st‑overall pick who turned a second‑round gamble into a three‑time MVP and franchise cornerstone.
Who are the Nuggets’ best draft picks?
The Nuggets have turned four selections into All‑Stars: Jokić, Jamal Murray, Carmelo Anthony, and Dikembe Mutombo. Jokić leads the list, averaging 26.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in 2025‑26, while Murray provides 21.2 points and 5.9 assists. Mutombo, a defensive anchor, posted 12.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks during his five‑year Denver stint.
Why Michael Porter Jr. earns the fifth spot
Porter Jr. was taken 14th overall in 2018. After missing his rookie year with a foot injury, he logged six seasons, delivering 16.2 points on 50% shooting, 41% from three and 80% free‑throw accuracy. In 2023, his 6.4 rebounds and floor‑spacing helped Denver capture its first championship. His final Denver year saw a career‑high 18.3 points over 77 games before the 2025 trade to Brooklyn.
How the Nuggets’ draft history shapes future moves
The franchise’s knack for finding value deep in the draft fuels its roster strategy. While Jokić and Murray anchor the core, the team continues scouting for versatile wings and defensive specialists. Recent form shows a mixed stretch: the Nuggets dropped their last two games after a 2‑0‑3 run.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Last result | Minnesota Timberwolves 110‑98 Denver Nuggets (2026‑05‑01) |
| Recent form (last 5) | 2W‑0D‑3L |
And the next draft will test whether Denver can repeat the Jokić miracle, adding depth without sacrificing the chemistry that delivered a title.