2024 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Spurs get 2 game-changers, Wizards land potential star at 1

29. Denver Nuggets choose Yves Missi

The defending champions need a backup big man behind Nikola Jokic. They signed Zeke Nnaji to a four-year $32 million extension that starts next season, but he is averaging just 9.8 minutes per game. DeAndre Jordan can no longer be relied on for nightly minutes. Denver’s only answer is playing Aaron Gordon as a small ball option. The second tax apron limits how the Nuggets can add to their roster, which makes this pick even more important.

Missi has tremendous upside, but it will take time for him to blossom. He could be a lottery selection if some team falls in love with his potential, especially in a class filled with uncertainty. The 6’11 big man needs time to add mass and develop his tools, but he could be a starting center in the league for a decade if he reaches his ceiling.

The 19-year-old averaged 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game for Baylor this season. Fouls were an issue at times, but his shot-blocking and finishing stood out. Missi can get out and guard on the perimeter a bit. Expanding his ability to switch could be the path to earning a 30-minute per-game role at the next level.

Several teams are locked in at center and there are multiple strong options in this draft, which makes it difficult to project where anyone will land. Missi is more of a project than Clingan or Filipowski, but he could be the most productive NBA option in this class.