The Denver Nuggets’ offseason is in full swing, and with the NBA Draft just around the corner, attention is turning to the 26th overall pick. After a season that highlighted the need for more perimeter athleticism, reliable ball-handling, and defensive presence both on the wing and in the paint, Denver is actively searching for pieces that can support Nikola Jokić and provide quality depth behind Jamal Murray.
While the Nuggets have already shown interest by interviewing St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor following the draft combine, two new names are generating serious buzz in recent mock drafts as strong fits for Denver at No. 26.
Bennett Stirtz: The Veteran Guard Ready to Contribute
One name rising quickly is Bennett Stirtz, a senior guard from Iowa. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Stirtz will enter his first NBA season at age 23 with four years of college experience under his belt, making him one of the more polished and immediately ready prospects in the back half of the first round.
Stirtz delivered a standout NCAA Tournament performance, leading Iowa to the Elite Eight while playing all 40 minutes in each of their four games and committing just three turnovers total. That kind of poise and ball security directly addresses one of Denver’s key offseason priorities: upgrading ball control and minimizing mistakes behind Murray.
Beyond the low turnover rate, Stirtz brings scoring punch and defensive instincts. He averaged 21.5 points per game from February 1 onward and has a proven track record as a thief, posting 1.4 steals per game this season and 2.1 steals per game in his previous year at Drake. “The Athletic” recently projected Stirtz as the Nuggets’ first-round selection, highlighting his ability to step in as a backup guard who can contribute right away.
Morez Johnson: The Physical Force in the Frontcourt
The second name drawing attention is Morez Johnson, a sophomore forward from Michigan. Listed at 6-foot-9 and 260 pounds, Johnson is a physical specimen who anchored one of the best defenses on a National Championship-winning Wolverines team.
His elite physicality and versatility make him an ideal fit for Denver’s needs in the paint. Johnson can switch effectively on the perimeter and hold his own inside, offering the kind of sturdy, hard-to-move presence that mirrors Aaron Gordon. He averaged 1.1 blocks in just 25.1 minutes per game, providing the rim protection Jokić has long needed from his supporting cast. A strong rebounder (7.3 boards per game) and efficient scorer (13.1 points on 62.3% shooting, plus 78.2% from the free-throw line), Johnson would instantly add depth and toughness to the frontcourt.
“The Ringer” mock draft has Johnson landing at No. 26, positioning him as a high-upside defensive addition who could rotate with or spell Gordon.
High Stakes for Denver’s First-Rounder
The Nuggets are well aware of the importance of this pick. Previous first-round selections like DaRon Holmes II saw limited opportunities beyond spot minutes when Jokić was sidelined, while Julian Strawther has yet to carve out a consistent role in the rotation or playoffs. For Denver to take the next step as contenders, the 26th pick needs to deliver meaningful rotation value.
Both Stirtz and Johnson profile as players who can step in and address clear roster gaps without requiring long developmental timelines. Stirtz offers guard stability and perimeter defense; Johnson brings size, strength, and interior protection.
Draft night is set for June 23 in Brooklyn. Whether the Nuggets walk away with one of these two standouts or another target, the organization’s focused preparation signals a clear intent to build around their championship core with the right mix of toughness, skill, and readiness.