Armaan Franklin agrees to deal with World Champion Nuggets

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Armaan Franklin is headed from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Rockies, expected to sign a Summer League deal with NBA champion Denver today.

The 6-foot-4 Virginia guard had pre-draft workouts with four NBA teams: the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers, but must have caught the eyes of Nuggets scouts somewhere along the way.

The team’s only true shooting guard is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, although Kansas rookie guard Christian Braun is also on the roster.

Franklin started 33 games for UVA last season and averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He was voted to the All-ACC second team.

The Indianapolis native improved his shooting during his final season with Virginia, after having worked out in the summer with former Cavalier Justin Anderson. Franklin shot 42.4 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from 3-point range and 70.9 percent from the free-throw line.

He set a career high in points (26) against Baylor early last season.