NBA Draft: Why The Denver Nuggets Should Draft Michael Flowers

For the last four seasons, the Wisconsin Badgers have enjoyed the play of the best defender in school history, Michael Flowers.

Consistently called on to defend the opposing team's best player, Flowers has done an excellent job at the University of Wisconsin. He averaged 9.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Flowers also averaged over 1.3 steals per game since his freshman year, including a career high of 1.7 last year.

He was a second-team All-Big Ten and first-team All Big Ten Defensive Team selection. Flowers was a huge reason why the Badgers held their opponents to a national-low 54.5 points per game. He has been the Big Ten's best defensive player again.

Keep in mind that he's been this dominant at only 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds. Wait until he thickens out.

Look who Michael has been able to contain during College Basketball's recent season: 

(W) Eric Gordon-16 points on 6-for-14 shooting  

(W) D.J. Augustin-16 points

(L) Demarcus Nelson-9 points on 3-for-11 shooting

(W) Wesley Matthews-6 points and 0 assists

He's also versatile. Flowers is regarded by many as the best one-on-one defender in the game, and he's a solid three point shooter at 41.2 percent.

While Flowers' offense may not leap at you, he brings tenacious defense and outstanding work ethic. He would bring a great attitude to Denver.

In my assessment, Michael Flowers is a Bruce Bowen: doing the dirty work, blanketing the premier player every night. He can knock down a three-pointer when needed too.

Why would he work with the Denver Nuggets? 

1. He has a clean record, with no incidents at Wisconsin. That is a selling point to owner Stan Kroenke and coach George Karl.

2. Michael is an outstanding perimeter defender. The Nuggets foolishly passed up Ron Artest at the trading deadline. Instead, Flowers could be transformed into a star with help from Carmelo, A.I., and effective ball movement leading to open threes, which he can hit.

3. Flowers will be at a bargain come Draft Day, with few teams looking his way. He will be available when Denver's on the board. No deep hole will be drilled in Denver's pockets, and the Nuggets will gain much needed help on the defensive side. At the most I expect a three-year, $20 million deal.

4. Michael Flowers will be able to act as the perfect replacement for troubled guard J.R. Smith. Michael can do about everything J.R. can do, plus defend. The only problem is that the Nuggets would lose Smith's great ability to score in short bursts. In the long run, it will be a good move. 

5. Well for one thing, he could guard Kobe Bryant. Or at least try.

In my eyes, Michael Flowers is the best defending guard who will come out of the draft.