2017 NBA Draft: Iowa State PG Monte Morris Drafted No. 51 Overall by Denver Nuggets

At long last, the wait is over for former Iowa State point guard Monte Morris. With the 51st overall pick, the Denver Nuggets selected Morris in Thursday night’s NBA Draft.

As arguably the best pure point guard in college basketball over the past four years, the Nuggets are getting a player that’s a model of consistency. Morris finished 1st in assist-to-turnover ratio in three of his four years at Iowa State (he finished 3rd his junior season) and increased his offensive load from season to season, ending his senior campaign averaging 16.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Many pundits considered Morris a “safe” pick no matter where he’d end up getting taken, as he figures to be the type of player to come off the bench and run efficient offense as a professional. Morris doesn’t possess the athleticism/explosiveness showcased by top-tier point guards in the NBA like Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving, but as long as he can take care of the ball and enhance the play of his future teammates, he’s got a good shot for a long career in the league.

Like most rookies, Morris will likely compete in the NBA Summer League in July. He’ll look to impress there as he guns for a roster spot on opening day of the 2017-18 season.