The 2026 NBA Draft is a little under a week away. For the Denver Nuggets, it represents a chance to add a couple of young sparks to their rotation with two selections: pick 26 in the first round and pick 49 on day two.

The Nuggets could use an impactful addition in the form of athletic, lengthy players with upside on both ends, perhaps with more of a defensive focus. This draft has a few prospects who could fit that mold where the Nuggets are selecting. If the board falls in their favor, they could snag a couple of them with both of their picks throughout the two days of action.

A brief mock projection of how the Nuggets' top two picks could end up once the NBA Draft arrives on June 23 shows Texas forward Swain as a name that fits the profile. It might be wishful thinking for Swain to be on the board by the time the Nuggets are picking at the end of the first round. There are clear limitations with what the Texas wing brings to the table, at least in terms of an immediate fit, that could leave teams ahead of Denver to steer clear.

The Nuggets could also see some red flags: his jumper needs work, he could use development in functioning off the ball offensively, and he is not a totally polished defender, despite appealing physical tools on that end. Still, his blend of size and explosiveness matches what Denver seeks. At 6-9 with a 7-1 wingspan, he can guard both wings and drop down to the small forward spot, a versatility that aligns with switch-heavy defensive sets.

Offensively, his primary weapon is a high-flyer game that thrives in transition, an attribute that could complement the Nuggets' half-court offense. The defensive upside, combined with the potential to develop a reliable three-point shot, makes him a candidate worth a first-round gamble at pick 26. The second-round slot at 49 offers a low-cost, high-risk gamble that can pay dividends if the player develops.

Denver is looking to shore up a wing shortage. Adding a player like Swain would give the team a more flexible lineup and a mobile defender on the perimeter. The move also mirrors the franchise's recent draft philosophy, which has favored high-ceiling athletes who can grow alongside an established core rather than immediate role players. Should Swain be selected earlier, the Nuggets have a slate of other athletic prospects who fit the same defensive mold and can be secured at 49 without sacrificing draft capital.