2014 NBA Mock Draft: Could Aaron Gordon Make an Impact for the Nuggets?

Mar 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (right) pulls down a rebound against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard/forward Drew Barham (43) and guard David Stockton in the first half of a men

The team over at DraftExpress recently released their updated NBA mock draft projecting first round picks for each franchise based on specific team needs, and they have the Denver Nuggets selecting Arizona forward Aaron Gordon at number 11.

The 6’ 9” Gordon just completed his freshman year as a Wildcat, where he averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 51.4 percent. As you can see in the video below, the site lists his athleticism, defensive prowess, and versatility (he can play both the 3 and 4) among his strengths, while noting that he struggles a bit on the offensive end, lacks a shooter’s touch, and needs to add muscle to his frame to bang with the big boys in the league.

http://youtu.be/1MeP9bTv_90

Gordon is an outstanding young player with good upside, but I’m not convinced another big – even one who looks like he could get a lot of buckets throwing down lobs or running the pick and roll with Ty Lawson – is going to cure what ails this team. Personally, I’d like to see the Nuggets add a scoring 2 guard who can stretch defenses with great perimeter shooting, like Michigan’s Nik Stauskas, former North Carolina Tar Heel P.J. Hairston, or Kentucky’s James Young.

Do you think Aaron Gordon is a good fit for the Nuggets? Or is his game too similar to Kenneth Faried’s? Which prospect would you like to see the Nuggets select with the their first round pick?