The Nuggets are signing rookie second-round pick Hunter Tyson to a four-year, $7.7MM contract, reports Mike Singer of The Denver Post (Twitter link). The first three seasons are guaranteed, according to Singer, with a fourth-year team option.
As with Jalen Pickett, a fellow rookie second-rounder, the Nuggets are using the new second-round pick exception to complete the signing. That enables them to offer a four-year deal.
Tyson spent five college seasons with Clemson before Denver selected him 37th overall in last month’s draft. The 23-year-old had by far his best season in 2022/23 as a “super senior,” averaging 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds on .479/.405/.835 shooting in 34 games (34.7 minutes) for the Tigers.
The Nuggets will have 15 players on standard deals once their third draft pick, first-rounder Julian Strawther, signs his rookie scale deal, Singer notes (via Twitter). Collin Gillespie, who missed his entire rookie season following a leg fracture last summer, is expected to return on a two-way deal and play regularly, per Singer. Gillespie is a restricted free agent after he was given a qualifying offer.
Why did Denver pick this guy? Couldn’t they of got him undrafted? Why him. Seems like the worst pick of them all
Because that’s how Denver operates. They tend to not follow the crowd. Their strategy this year was driven by the new 2nd round exception, and the fact that they are very near the 2nd tax apron. They drafted three older prospects with high floors, who can play right away. The two 2nd rounders they then wrapped up super cheap for years. Because those guys played 5 years in the NCAA (they’re only a couple years younger than Jamal Murray) they can step right in. And the risk is minor. Brilliant, and as usual ahead of the curve.
Really liked Gillespie in summer league last year before he got hurt
He might be ok in small minutes. Not really an athlete. A worse Monte Morris is what Nuggets fans are hoping for.
Hunter Tyson. Shrewd pick from a shrewd GM.