Nuggets Owner Stan Kroenke on the Lottery

Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke represented the team at the NBA Draft Lottery. The Nuggets were awarded the third overall pick in the Draft that will be held June 26. Following the Lottery Mr. Kroenke took the time to share his thoughts.

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Q: What are your thoughts on not getting the top pick? Kroenke: "It would have been nice if Denver could have had the No. 1 pick. We’ve never had one before. But Gordon (Gund), it’s wonderful for his franchise, and he’s a wonderful person and a great man. I’m pleased for him. You know what, we’re going to get a great player because we have one of the top three picks."

Q: Does picking third almost make it easier, from the standpoint of just having to sit back and wait to see who drops? Kroenke: "I think that’s probably true. Other people are going to have to make some choices. Obviously, Cleveland is going to pick LeBron James. It’s just a matter of what happens with the other two, and we’re going to get one of them. Carmelo Anthony is a great player, and he’s going to be a great pro. Darko Milicic, everyone who has seen him play thinks he’s marked for stardom. We’re in a good position."

Q: Do you have a preference between Carmelo and Darko? Kroenke: "No. I think we’ll talk with out basketball guys and see what happens. I think getting either one of them is a big win for the franchise. I think we did well. Would we have like to have the first pick, obviously, you always like to win, even if it’s the lottery. I’ve never won the lottery."

Q: What was it like waiting to find out the final three? Kroenke: "Well, I was really pleased that we didn’t get the fourth pick because four is a harder choice. If you’re in the top three, you know you’re going to get a great player and that’s what we need to build a franchise."