New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - The Denver Nuggets acquired the rights to draft pick Ty Lawson from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a future protected first-round selection.

Lawson, a point guard from the University of North Carolina, was taken at No. 18 overall in Thursday night's draft. He was the ACC Player of the Year this past season, averaging 16.6 points with 6.6 assists. The 5-foot-11 sparkplug also captured the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard.

Lawson, after missing the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament opener with a toe injury, led the Tar Heels in scoring and assists at 20.8 points and 6.8 assists in five tournament games. He scored 22 points in the national semifinal win over Villanova, then had 21 points with a championship-game record eight steals in the title victory against Michigan State.

The selection of Lawson was one of four first-round picks by the Timberwolves. They also took Spanish guard Ricky Rubio at No. 5 and Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn at No. 6, and North Carolina shooting guard Wayne Ellington at No. 28.