Following a shocking first-round exit in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets are going into the summer with plenty of uncertainty.
At this point, it seems that Nikola Jokic is the only player who is sure to return.
That’s not to say it’s a fire sale in Denver, but calls might get made, and the phone will be picked up so that the front office can listen to offers from others.
And when June rolls around, the Nuggets will have an opportunity to add some players with upside and promise through the NBA Draft.
In the first round, the Nuggets are currently holding the No. 26 overall pick. As they face some uncertainty heading into the offseason, a recent mock draft suggests the Nuggets could select Amari Allen, a forward out of Alabama.
The Case For Amari Allen
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 13: Jalil Bethea #1 and Amari Allen #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide look on during the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
“He has the kind of versatility that makes you wonder why the proverbial jack-of-all-trades gets such a bad wrap,” Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley writes of Allen. “He hasn’t mastered any skill, but he’s a big wing who can handle, shoot and pass, and he shouldn’t get skewered on defense.”
During his freshman season in 2025-2026, Allen started 24 out of 32 games. He saw the court for 28.2 minutes per game, shooting 44.6% from the field. From three, Allen knocked down 34.1% of his shots. The young forward produced 11.4 points per game, along with 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Uncertainty In Denver
GettyPeyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with fans after the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
It’s hard to draft solely for need in the NBA—especially deep into the first round.
But the Nuggets are looking at a wing group in 2026 that could look a lot different in the fall.
Spencer Jones is an impending restricted free agent, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. are set to hit the open market as unrestricted players. Then, there’s Peyton Watson, who is a priority re-signing for Denver, but will have an opportunity to claim a high value as a restricted player as well.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Nuggets’ front office is confident in Watson’s long-term value.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball past Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
Over four seasons with the team, he posted an average of 8.7 points while shooting 47.9%. In 2025-2026, Watson averaged 14.6 points per game, while hitting on 49.1% of his shots, including 41.1% from three.
Watson might be a priority in Denver, but other teams could surely price him out. With the Nuggets currently looking at a few potential losses at the wing spot for next year, the ‘Bama forward looks like a logical option deep into round one.
Nuggets Predicted to Take Alabama Star Amid Peyton Watson Uncertainty