Former Siena point guard Jalen Pickett is set to embark on his journey with the NBA champions as he flies to Denver for his official introduction. Pickett, the highest draft pick ever from Siena, will begin his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets, who recently clinched their first NBA title by defeating the Miami Heat in a five-game series.
Expressing his excitement from his home in Rochester, Pickett remarked on the incredible opportunity before him. He acknowledged the Nuggets’ winning culture and hunger for more championships, expressing his desire to learn from the team’s seasoned players while serving as a backup point guard.
Pickett was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. However, his draft rights were subsequently traded to Denver as part of a four-team deal. The draft night was a memorable occasion for Pickett, as he watched the event at the Hyatt Regency Rochester alongside his mother, grandmother, former Siena head coach Jamion Christian, and former assistants Graham Bousley and Harley Fuller.
During his time at Siena, Pickett played under coach Christian and later under coach Carmen Maciariello. Reflecting on his draft selection, Pickett remained composed despite the jubilant crowd surrounding him. However, he did admit to experiencing some emotional moments as the realization of his dreams sank in.
Pickett had high hopes for his draft position, believing he could have been chosen even earlier than 32nd. His optimism stemmed from impressive workouts with the Nuggets and other teams, as well as a strong showing at the NBA combine in Chicago. His agent, Dan Curtin, who also represented Pickett during his freshman year at Siena, played a crucial role in advocating for him throughout the draft process.
Pickett’s draft selection marks a significant achievement for Siena, as he becomes the 10th player from the college to be drafted and the second since the NBA draft was condensed to two rounds in 1989. While his predecessor, Jack McClinton, did not play in the NBA, Pickett is determined to make a lasting impact in the league, aspiring to contribute to a championship-winning team over a sustained career.
In the past, only Edwin Ubiles, an undrafted Siena player, has appeared in regular-season NBA games, playing four games for the Washington Wizards in 2012. As Pickett prepares to join the Nuggets in Denver, he anticipates a press conference, arranging accommodation, and getting ready for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Nuggets’ first game is scheduled for July 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks, who feature rookie Andre Jackson Jr. from Amsterdam and Albany Academy. Jackson was drafted by the Orlando Magic from UConn and subsequently traded to Milwaukee.
Pickett is eager to learn from Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and believes his playing style complements that of center Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP. With both Pickett and Jokic emphasizing passing and involving teammates, Pickett aims to support their efforts and make their jobs easier.
Having been named the 2020 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year at Siena, Pickett transferred to Penn State and earned All-American honors while leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Tournament this season. Reflecting on his decision to transfer, Pickett believes his numbers at Siena would have been remarkable, but he also wanted to prove himself at a higher level and demonstrate his ability to compete in bigger conferences.
Ultimately, Pickett’s journey to the NBA signifies a significant milestone for Siena and showcases his determination to excel at every level of the game.
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