The Denver Nuggets are facing a bitter reality headed into next season: the talent around them in their own division is getting better and better–– to the point where there's now a real case for all five teams in the mix to find their way to a playoff bid this time next year.

That potential became even clearer following the results of Sunday's draft lottery.

It would be then when the Nuggets' division rival, the Utah Jazz, would shoot up to the second-overall pick and look primed for an injection of youth from one the top prospects in a loaded class. Adding that into their already playoff-ready core, they can find their way into a bid for a top six seed.

2026 NBA Draft Lottery Order:

1. Wizards

2. Jazz

3. Grizzlies

4. Bulls

5. Clippers

6. Nets

7. Kings

8. Hawks

9. Mavs

10. Bucks

11. Warriors

12. Thunder

13. Heat

14.…