NBA Power Rankings: The Top 9 Rookies In Preseason Thus Far

Oct 8, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) shoots the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the first half at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

5. Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets

Preseason Stats: 13.3 points, 6.0 assists; 40% 3-pt

With the Denver Nuggets trading Ty Lawson to the Houston Rockets earlier this summer, it was obvious what they were planning on doing. Denver, for better or worse, has decided to hand over the keys of the franchise to Emmanuel Mudiay.

The thing about the Nuggets is that they actually have some talent on the team, and could very well be an above average play-making point guard away from being competitive in the Western Conference. Not competitive in the way that they could make the playoffs, but competitive in the way that they won’t be one of the handful of unwatchable teams in the West.

Mudiay may be extremely raw and lacks a consistent jump shot, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. The potential is there. The Nuggets better hope throwing him into the fire this early doesn’t stunt his growth.

Next: Another Steal