There are a number of directions that the Nuggets can go with the 20th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, and the power forward position is definitely one of them. On paper, the power forward position has seemed to be Denver's most loaded position in recent seasons. However, injuries have been a big reason why having a gluttony of forwards is not such a bad idea for Coach George Karl and the Nuggets -- so adding to that arsenal is never a bad idea.

For the past three seasons, the Nuggets have been pretty banged up at the power forward spot. Nene missed the entire 2005-06 season with a torn ACL in his right knee, while he also missed all but 16 games this past year due to a number of different medical reasons. Sandwiched in between Nene's two injury-riddled years was the 2006-07 season in which starting power forward Kenyon Martin missed 80 games due to knee surgery as well. While both Martin and Nene look to be playing at full strength this upcoming year, the Nuggets may still be looking for another forward to add to the mix, depending on what happens with Eduardo Najera this offseason. Najera is set to become a free agent and will draw a lot of attention from other teams because of his all-out hustling mentality that has made him such a fan favorite here in Denver. So, getting another Najera-like energy guy at the power forward spot might be something the Nuggets will look to do in the draft just in case they are unable to hold onto Najera this summer.

With that in mind, there are a number of power forwards available in this year's draft, including a few very good ones in the mid-to-late first round. Here is a look at the power forwards that will definitely be on the Nuggets' radar if they are still available when the 20th selection rolls around:

	Height / Weight: 6-9 / 225 College: Kansas Hometown: Dallas, TX Age: 20 NBA.com: Video | Profile
Career Highlights: Named First Team All-Big 12 as a sophomore ... Earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors and was named to the All-Rookie Team as a freshman ... Currently ranks as the 13th all-time leader in blocked shots in Kansas history with 109 ... Recorded six career double-doubles ... Was selected for the United States Team that competed in the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championships held in Novi Sad, Serbia, but was unable to play due to a stress fracture in his left leg. What Scouts Are Saying: According to CollegeHoops.net, his strengths include: Very athletic for his size – can run the floor, good jumping ability. Has good range on his jumper and is solid with his back to the basket moves as well. Gets good position in post and attacks the rim. He is a good passer and a good shot blocker for a power forward. He also has the ability to take his man off the dribble. Although he is being projected anywhere from No. 10 to No. 20 overall, Arthur just looks the part of an NBA prospect. With decent size, wingspan and offensive skills, Arthur is made for the pro game. He might not be ready right away, but within a few seasons he should be a NBA starter. DraftExpress.com lists his weaknesses as: He lacked some toughness and intensity at times while at Kansas. Does not have much experience and seems to have a low basketball IQ. Lacks consistent focus. Has not shown the ability to finish with his left hand. His shot-selection has been questionable. Needs polish on his ball-handling and perimeter shooting, while he needs to work on finishing strong instead of fading away. He must get stronger and work on his overall consistency. Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Arthur listed as the No. 4 ranked power forward in the draft and the No. 15 overall prospect.

	Height / Weight: 6-9 / 242 College: NC State Hometown: Marietta, GA Age: 19 NBA.com: Video | Profile
Career Highlights: Earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors after leading all conference freshmen in scoring, rebounding and double-doubles ... Also named Honorable Mention All-Conference ... Earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors three times. What Scouts Are Saying: According to NBADraft.net, his strengths are: He is a very strong and mobile big man. In addition to great upper and lower body strength, he has a very long wingspan, making his package that much more promising. He has a nice first step that he utilizes effectively from the high-post, where he faces up and takes the ball to the hoop. His repertoire in the post is decent and has shown some nice development; he can throw a variety of hook-shots, spin moves and up & unders at his defender from the block. He has a fadeaway that is very difficult to defend because he gets it off with a mix of shoulder fakes. He can be a difficult match up for bigger post players, because he has the body to mix it up inside, but also the speed and willingness to run the floor effectively. Uses his length to block a number of shots and alter many others around the basket. His broad shoulders allow him to clear space in the paint giving him a big advantage when it comes to rebounding. CollegeHoops.net lists his weaknesses as: Will be too small to play center in the NBA and is somewhat undersized for the power forward position as well – he might only be 6’8”. He needs to develop range on his jumper. He relies too much on size/athleticism to score in college, but needs to diversify game to succeed at pro level. He is very inexperienced. He will need to get in better shape. Is he quick enough to cover NBA power forwards? Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Hickson as the No. 6 ranked power forward in the draft and the No. 21 overall prospect.

	Height / Weight: 6-10 / 280 Country: Australia Hometown: Cairns, Australia Age: 21 NBA.com: Video | Profile
Career Highlights: Played briefly for Midland College in Texas before returning home to Australia to play professionally with the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League ... Earned Second Team All-NBL honors in 2007-08 and was unanimously selected as the NBL Rookie of the Year ... Named MVP of the 2008 NBL All-Star Game after registering 24 points and 12 rebounds ... A member of the Australian National Team ... Was a member of the Australian Team that finished in fourth place at the 2005 U21 World Championships held in Mar de Plata, but did not play due to injury. What Scouts Are Saying: DraftExpress.com lists his strengths as: His strength and power are at an NBA level. Has a big frame, good wingspan, quick feet, good explosiveness, as well as good coordination, touch and hands for a big man. He has a strong ability to finish on offense and has great rebounding potential in the NBA. He has great basketball instincts and a ton of upside as an NBA post player. According to NBADraft.net, his weaknesses include: He needs to keep developing his feel for the game and all around skills, but in particular his post skills. Right now he is very poor at putting the ball on the floor, so getting better at knowing how and when to use the dribble to create shots without exposing the ball is key. He does not run the floor well and lacks great foot speed. He’s very limited facing the basket and better with his back to the basket. He still needs a bit of work on his stamina as he can only play stretches before his great size and lack of experience catch up with him and he needs a breather. Working on conditioning will help him to become more consistent from game to game. He weighs over 280 right now and would be most effective at around 270. Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Jawai listed as the No. 11 ranked power forward in the draft and the No. 37 overall prospect.

Other PF Prospects to Watch: Serge Ibaka (Congo); D.J. White (Indiana); Alexis Ajinca (France); Joey Dorsey (Memphis); Jason Thompson (Rider); Richard Hendrix (Alabama); Ryan Anderson (California).

Other Prospect Pages: Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Centers