Denver Nuggets ink Mudiay to multi-year deal

Emmanuel Mudiay[photo: Commons Wikimedia/TonyTheTiger]

The Denver Nuggets have locked in their rookie pick Emmanuel Mudiay, who will have big shoes to fill in light of Ty Lawson's departure, to a multi-year contract.

According to a report from the Denver Post, Mudiay signed a three-year pact estimated to be worth $8.1 million. The deal includes a team option in the fourth year.

Mudiay was the seventh overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft and the 19-year-old rookie did make a good account of himself in the NBA Summer League.

Considered as one of the top guards in the recently concluded NBA Draft, Mudiay averaged 12 points and 5.8 assists in Las Vegas. Capping his stint was being recognized as having one of the top performances in the NBA Summer League as Mudiay was named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.

So can Mudiay take his game to the NBA level when the new season opens shop this coming October?

As far as general manager Tim Connely is concerned, he is confident that Mudiay will fit in perfectly and succeed Lawson in the court general role. He is expected to blend well with the team under the new system that first-year head coach Michael Malone will be implementing, along with some guidance coming from NBA veteran Jameer Nelson as well.

Mudiay chose to play overseas rather than play in college last year, strutting his wares in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

During his China stint, Mudiay showed what he could deliver after averaging 18 points in 12 outings.

Mudiay is best known as an unselfish player but also someone who can light it up when he chooses to do so. He is gifted with the ability to take it hard to the basket or hit jumpers, as well as to get his teammates involved.

With that vast repertoire, Mudiay could be one of the top rookies to watch this coming NBA season. Will it be enough to turn the misfortunes of the Denver Nuggets for the 2015–16 NBA season?