2008 NBA Draft: Would Ty Lawson's Speed Help the Denver Nuggets?

Standing at 5'11" and weighing 200 lbs, Tywon Lawson is arguably the fastest player in college basketball, and also the most agile.

After his sophomore year, Ty entered his name into the upcoming 2008 NBA Draft. 

In 2006, Tywon was a 2006 USA Today All America-Selection 

Lawson sat out a total of seven games last season, including six straight due to a badly sprained ankle. The damage occured in a win over Florida State during the season. NBA scouts may question his durability because of the injury.  

Ty averaged 12.7 PPG, 5.6 APG, and 1.6 SPG during the 2007-08 season. He also improved his free throw percentage 15.3 points, from 68.8 percent last season to 83.5 percent this season.

How Lawson would help the Nuggets

1. The speed that Ty possesses is virtually unguardable and will require either a double team or a equally fast defender—but who really has that kind of speed? Okay...Monta Ellis, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, T.J. Ford, and Leandro Barbosa. But the Warriors, Suns, Jazz, Hornets, Spurs, and Raptors don't make up the entire league.

Lawson will be able to get to the rim at will and can use the extra attention to create shots for his teammates. Another bonus for Lawson and the Nuggets if they draft him will be his ability to take over as the team's starting point guard for the '08-'09 season.

2. Lawson will be a nice replacement for Allen Iverson when AI leaves. Denver wouldn't lose any speed and will actually gain quickness in the process. No. 5 also is a great ball handler with young legs—which could help Denver down the stretch and in the playoffs.

3. Ty Lawson would fit incredibly nicely in the Nuggets high-tempo offense, with an ability eihter to quarterback the fastbreak or be the break. The Nuggets fastbreak production would increase, their steal output would continue to be at the top of the league, and Denver's perimeter defense would improve because of the agility of Ty.

Lawson has already been selected by the Nuggets with the 20th pick in a few Mock Drafts I've seen, but I've also seen him falling into the second round. 

Its a shame that Denver does not have a second-round draft pick, as that may be the best time to choose a player like this.

However, I would not be dissapointed if Denver took the speedster in the first round on June 26.