On top of an injury-plagued 2025-26 season, which finished with a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Denver Nuggets are sitting in an awkward position in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Nuggets hold the 26th overall pick for the June 23 draft, which is obviously not an ideal spot to be.
The most notable No. 26 picks in recent NBA history are Bones Hyland by Denver in 2021, Payton Pritchard by Boston in 2020, and Landry Shamet by Philadelphia in 2018. All in all, it is hard to hit on a legitimate difference maker with the 26th pick, but the Nuggets could have an opportunity to do so this year.
Here is a look at three prospects the Nuggets need to have on their draft board for pick No. 26, and one they should likely stay away from:
Target: Dailyn Swain