How the Denver Nuggets Can Still Land A First Rounder

The only trade by the Denver Nuggets was acquring Sonny Weems, which puzzles me because, I see him as just another J.R. Smith.

So I have thought of several ways Denver can still snag a first round drafted player; how?

Through free agency or trades.

While countless, of NBA GM's fall in love with the idea of the future face of the franchise, others don't, and will either make an atttempt to trade the pick or simply not sign them.

With that in mind, here are some of the most notable unsigned draft picks:

Reyshawn Terry: A former UNC standout who was selected in the 2nd round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and was later signed by the Dallas Mavericks.

Marc Gasol: Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007 NBA Draft, was later signed by the Grizzlies. 

He is also Pau Gasol's brother, and has been working on his game the Memphis Grizzlies plan to bring him into the NBA next season from overseas. Scouts expect him to be a major force at the forward position.

Rudy Fernandez: A very productive guard in Spain who was taken by the Phoenix Suns with the 24th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, but later signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Tiago Splitter: A dominant big man in Argentina, he was drafted by the Spurs with the 28th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, but because of contract disagreements with San Antonio, decided to sign a extension stay in Argentina through 2012.

While it is unlikely, that every team will want to part ways with their new draftees, there are several that will.

Next year, The Nuggets have 2 1st round draft picks, and 1 in the 2nd round, for a total of three.

Teams in a rebuilding phase such as the New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat, Memphus Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, could use any of those picks to select a big man next year; Patrick Patterson, Blake Grifffin, Jordan Hill, Tyler Hansbrough.

Or teams looking for a point guard, Cleveland, San Antonio, New York, Los Angeles, would highly value a point guard in the upcoming 2009 NBA Draft.

While we all know the Nuggets will be active during the offseason, the question will be do they decide to get younger this offseason via the draft, or make headway towards acquring veterans.

Here's a hint: The average age of the Nuggets team is 27 years old.