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Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: Big lottery changes, Miami Heat grab wing

Jack Simone|
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Theo Maledon #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 24. Theo Maledon, Denver Nuggets

Original pick: RJ Hampton

Nuggets 2020 starting lineup

  • Monte Morris
  • Will Barton
  • Michael Porter Jr
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic

New Nuggets 2020 starting lineup

  • Monte Morris
  • Will Barton
  • Michael Porter Jr
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets struggled with guard depth in the playoffs, and while it was due to injury, it was an issue nonetheless. Taking Theo Maledon here would help them with that, while also giving them a very intriguing young prospect.

Maledon had a decent rookie season with the Thunder last year. He wasn’t the most efficient scorer, but his three-point percentage wasn’t too bad.

He ended the season playing big-time minutes as Oklahoma City shifted to giving almost all of the minutes to younger players. Maledon benefited greatly from this, as he was able to get some great NBA experience.

In Denver, however, his role would definitely have been different. He would have been fighting with some veteran guards for minutes, but with all the injuries, he would have had time to find some success.

Regardless, this would have been a solid pickup for the Nuggets, as Maledon jumps up 10 spots in this re-draft. It’s a tough loss for the Thunder, but a nice gain for the Nuggets.

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