Johan Petro? Really?

I know the Nuggets hate draft picks. Beyond Carmelo and, to a lesser extent, James Posey, who have we drafted in the past 10 years has turned out good?

(Nene was drafted, then traded by the Knicks. Linas Kleiza was drafted and traded by Portland)

But my gripe is, couldn't we have traded our No. 1 pick for someone better than Johan Petro — the French Steven Hunter? We already have the American Steven Hunter on our roster.

Here's my list of five players who could've been better options:

1. F-C Channing Frye, Portland
As a rookie, he averaged 12.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for the Knicks. Since then, he's been moved further down the bench, now providing about 12 mpg for the TrailBlazers. He's a good sized, quick power forward/center who would provide quality minutes off the bench.

2. F Reggie Evans, Philadelphia
A monstrous rebounder who used to play for the Nuggets. Although he's on 6'8", he plays like he's much bigger.

3. F-C Francisco Elson, Milwaukee
A lanky vet who will provide valuable minutes and consistant play.

4. F-C Ronny Turiaf, Golden State
He'll block, he'll rebound, he'll score. Solid total who would instantly provide help off the bench.

5. C David Harrison, free agent
Yeah, he moves like molasses. But this former CU star is a solid defender and a prototypical center who could bang inside with the best of them.