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Jun 26, 2026

3 Nuggets Players Whose Futures Became Less Certain After NBA Draft

3 Nuggets Players Whose Futures Became Less Certain After NBA Draft

The Denver Nuggets might've put three players on notice following this year's draft.Jared Koch|
Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have officially wrapped up their two days of action in the 2026 NBA Draft by making one trade to move down and out of the first round, while also bringing in two new rookies within the frontcourt in Arkansas' Trevon Brazile and St. John's Bryce Hopkins.

Both stand out as nice assets to be had as end-of-the-bench pieces in the Nuggets' frontcourt that can develop into more in the next couple of years, which does help this Denver roster's overall depth.

At the same time, with those two new rookies joining the mix, their presence could make the future a bit murkier for a few players around this Denver roster as soon as this offseason–– whether that be challenging them for minutes in the rotation, or their spots on the roster entirely.

Let's take a look at three players in Denver whose future could be impacted most by their latest pair of additions in the draft:

Zeke Nnaji

Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji (22) reacts from the bench in the second quarter again
Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji (22) reacts from the bench in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nnaji's place on the Nuggets' roster was already in flux after his name appeared in trade rumors leading up to the draft. And while he didn't get moved throughout the two days of action, Denver's pickup of Brazile makes it feel like the writing is on the wall for what the future holds for the veteran big man.

Brazile offers upside on both ends of the floor as a shot blocker and floor spacer, paired with ample size that makes Nnaji a little redundant to have on the roster.

Brazile isn't as strong as a fit at the five that Nnaji is with a smaller frame at 225 pounds, but having Jokic in the frontcourt that'll be claiming a good share of minutes there makes that factor pretty negligible.

If the Nuggets can shed Nnaji for a better fit on their current bench— potentially in the backcourt— or save money by shipping him out, expect the front office to take a deep look into doing so.

Spencer Jones

Feb 22, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA;  Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) looks to pass in the second quarter
Feb 22, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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