Can The Nuggets Bench Contribute This Season?

Nov 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Denver Nuggets react from the bench after a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets were hit with many injuries last season. We all know this by now, but we also know that they were lucky to have depth they had last season, and now the question has to be asked, can they contribute once again this season? This season, the Nuggets bench is equally as deep, but perhaps has more questions marks than a season ago.

The Nuggets are off to a 1-1 start, and a contributing factor to the loss against the Thunder was bench productivity. The Nuggets didn’t have much of it, and it was disappointing to see. The first player to point out is Wilson Chandler. Chandler shot just 2-12 from the field and scored 5 points. He filled in as a starter last year and was great, but this is obviously a major concern.

The other major concern is how the rest of the bench only scored 23 points. 23 points. No one scored in double digits, and Nate Robinson and Randy Foye combined for just 8 points. Those players were key to the Nuggets bench last season and they are going to need them to both step up.

I know that it has only been two games, but the bench play has to contribute. The Nuggets do have some star power with Kenneth Faried and Ty Lawson, but besides that they rely on how deep they are. They will need everyone to step up if they want to make the playoffs this season. The Sacramento Kings are up next for the Nuggets tomorrow night.