2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Denver Nuggets draft versatile guard Chris Duarte
The Denver Nuggets go with the older, 24-year-old Chris Duarte, who’s immediately going to be a valuable piece for this contending team.
While the Nuggets love themselves a risky project player, they could use some added firepower on the perimeter.
Chris Duarte brings a blend of guard skills at 6’6 that could prove to be very valuable for Denver.
NBA Draft – Chris Duarte NBA player comparisons
- Evan Fournier – Potential as a secondary shot creator/playmaker
- Kevin Huerter
- Jeremy Lamb
A combo guard from Oregon, Chris Duarte brings an elite level of shooting. Duarte shot over 53% from the field, 42% from three, and 81% from the free throw line this past season.
He’s going to be a terrific spot-up shooter in the NBA and can hit from difficult angles coming off contested screens or handoffs. At 6’6 with a 6’7 wingspan, Duarte shouldn’t have any difficulty getting his shots up in the league.
The blend of size and guard skills bodes well for his versatility in the NBA, the Nuggets can plop him around different lineups.
While Duarte isn’t a supreme athlete, he’s an intelligent defender. He has good instincts in his positioning and rotating, but he may struggle with the speed of some NBA guards.
He may not ever be labeled a “lockdown” defender but Duarte should continue to grow into a competitive defender who can be a 3-and-D wing.
Duarte has some point guard passing skills but not enough to project as a starting point guard.
Still, his diverse skill set of shooting, passing, and team defense should see him in the Nuggets lineup early and often. He’s going to be a nice perimeter tool for Jokic to utilize.