Whom the Denver Nuggets Should Target in the 2015 NBA Draft

Thanks to a turbulent 2014-15 campaign, the Denver Nuggets are in flux this offseason.

Sure, the likes of Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari are still on the roster, but much of the team's future is up in the air.

The late-season firing of Brian Shaw gave way to the current coaching vacancy, and the squad has holes all over the roster to shore up for the long term. Denver lacks both offensive efficiency and defensive consistency, and it will take more than one piece to launch the club back to contention in the Western Conference.

However, the No. 7 pick in the draft is a good start in the right direction. This year's crop of prospects is pretty deep, so a pick in the middle of the lottery could yield a standout performer.

I wouldn't blame Denver for plucking the best player available, but it could also aim for a talented swingman or stretch forward.

Whom should the front office target as the draft approaches?

Target No. 1: Justise Winslow

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If teams such as the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic pass on Justise Winslow in favor of other investments, the Nuggets should scoop him up without thinking twice.

Duke's 6'6" freshman would supply the two-way punch the club needs in its small forward of the future, and he could grow into one of the team's most valuable players.

Armed with dangerous slashing potential and an improving southpaw jump shot, Winslow will put pressure on opposing defenses. He's also a nightmare in the open floor, where he besieges the rim and connects with open teammates.

On the defensive side, Winslow could give the Nuggets some much-needed grit. It's imperative for contending squads to have a swingman stopper who is not only multifaceted but committed to consistently slowing down top-tier playmakers.

One NBA executive said that if Winslow falls to the Nuggets at No. 7, "you've got to take Winslow. That's a freakin' steal," per ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman.

He won't be an instant star in the Association. He's still noticeably raw on offense, and he must also hone his defensive discipline and positional awareness.

However, Winslow will supply rangy energy on both ends, with the ability to attack the basket and check multiple positions.

Target No. 2: Mario Hezonja

Another wing Denver should focus on is Croatian sharpshooter Mario Hezonja. He's a different type of player from Winslow but a worthy consolation prize if the Blue Devil is unavailable.

The 20-year-old prodigy plays a peripheral role on FC Barcelona, one of Europe's top-tier clubs, and he's unleashed brief doses of scintillating three-point prowess and above-the-rim athleticism.

Hezonja's perimeter stroke is well-elevated, smooth and repeatable. He's already shooting 38 percent in ACB play, and he'll only become more efficient as he matures and sharpens his craft. This efficiency would be welcomed warmly by the Nuggets, who failed to eclipse 33 percent from distance in 2014-15.

He won't constantly create buckets with advanced shot-creating skills, but he has enough handle to attack closeouts, use screens and generate step-back jumpers. Hezonja is also more than agile enough to besiege the basket and finish over traffic.

"[Hezonja] fits with the up-and-down style that Denver seems to want to get back to," said Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com. "The coach they hire could throw a damper in this plan, but I think Hezonja is the best international player in the draft."

The youngster's springiness is not only a plus for the offensive end; it will also aid him in checking shooting guards and small forwards. When dialed in, Hezonja has shown flashes of rangy defense.

There have been some concerns about his attitude, but Jeffrey Morton of Denver Stiffs notes that his attitude is also a strength:

"

What makes Hezonja such a risk is also what makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire NBA Draft this year. Simply put, (he's) one of the most competitive players entering into the 2015 NBA Draft. Hezonja's greatest weakness is one of his biggest advantages. That competitive drive and will are things that are hard to quantify...

"

If Hezonja eventually flirts with his ceiling, he'll be one of the best value picks at No. 7.

Target No. 3: Stretch Big (Kristaps Porzingis or Myles Turner)

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In the event that Denver decides against picking a wing (or its desired wings are off the board), it could enhance the skill of its frontcourt by tabbing a shooting big.

Gallinari's contract is up in 2016, and the rest of the Nuggets' cast of 4s and 5s can't effectively stretch the floor. Adding a three-point threat such as Porzingis or a pick-and-pop stud such as Myles Turner could boost their half-court offense.

Porzingis' size (7'1"), shooting and athleticism should all translate to the NBA. He averaged nearly 20 points per 40 minutes as a 19-year-old in the world's second-best league. Armed with deep range, fluid footwork off the bounce and some mid-post skill, he'll be a tough matchup for any opponent.

The Latvian sensation also offers the potential to grow as a low-post option and stifling rim protector. He's willing to play near the tin but needs to build his lower and upper body in order to carve out position. Porzingis is the ultimate risk-reward pick in this crop.

Turner doesn't offer as much upside because he's not as athletic, but he could do similar damage as an outside shooter and shot-blocker. Texas' one-and-done center has a soft touch, evidenced by drilling 43 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-math.com, and 84 percent of his free throws as a freshman.

On defense, Turner's 7'4" wingspan, sharp timing and alertness will deter a truckload of shots. That's a tempting trait to add for Denver, whose defense surrendered 53 percent shooting at the rim in 2014-15, per NBA.com SportVU.

Turner might be a bit of a reach at No. 7, but he's worth strong consideration if he looks good in predraft workouts.