For every Donovan Mitchell, there is a Justin Patton.
And for every Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Lucas Nogueira.
And for every Devin Booker, a Cameron Payne.
That’s the conundrum facing the Denver Nuggets, who hold the No. 14 overall pick entering Thursday’s NBA draft. The middle of the first round is tricky, where borderline playoff teams can select a prospect who develops into a franchise cornerstone just before — or following — one who becomes an NBA afterthought.
Unexpected hits and massive blunders can happen at any point during the draft’s 60 selections, of course. Anthony Bennett, considered one of the biggest busts of all time, was taken No.