2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Cavs take a big risk; Trae Young jumps into the top 5

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers shoots the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers shoots the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Nate Fowler #51 of the Butler Bulldogs shoves Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Nate Fowler #51 of the Butler Bulldogs shoves Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

14. Denver Nuggets – Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas

The Denver Nuggets have a ton of big men on their roster. However, none of them are like Daniel Gafford. Unlike Nikola Jokic, Paul Millsap, Juan Hernangomez, or even last year’s first round selection Tyler Lydon, Gafford is defensive minded.

Averaging 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes, Gafford is a high intensity, athletic, and rim protecting big man. Gafford might not provide strong NBA minutes right away, but he should develop into a strong role player at the very least. He’s a little heavy footed even though he’s an explosive leaper. That may not develop into any kind of switchability on ball screens.

However, Daniel Gafford has loads of upside and could develop into your modern rim running and shot blocking man.