Nelson has snatched the starting role away from Mudiay.
Coach Michael Malone has made it official that Jameer Nelson is the new starting point guard for the Denver Nuggets.
This decision has generated a lot of debate within Nuggets Nation about this decision. I am probably in the minority here, but I think the move is a genius one. Keep in mind Mudiay has been battling back spasms lately and was having a below average year before that.
Plus, while Nelson may make some head scratching plays at times, he has been surprisingly clutch at times this season as well. I firmly think Malone is playing the psychology card here as it will hopefully make Emmanuel Mudiay hungrier to get back in the starting rotation.
As a result, we may see the young point guard working harder than ever before to improve his craft as Nelson continues to provide key experience for the young Nuggets core. The cherry on top of all this is that it will give time for Mudiay to mesh with the exciting rookie, Jamal Murray. Many fans have wanted to see a rotation consisting of Murray and Mudiay in the back-court for some time now and that wish will finally be granted.
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Some time to mesh with the young guys like Murray and Hernangomez may serve Mudiay good as he has been causing some concern about his slow development this season. Not to mention, Nelson starting may also be beneficial for Mudiay in the long term for his health. Anytime a young guy like Mudiay starts having back trouble, it raises many eye brows.
For the sake of his health, Mudiay needs to look at this shift as a blessing in disguise as it could help his future not just for his development, but for the sake of his health as well.
With the change at the point guard position, it will be interesting to see what type of production comes from that spot going forward into the second half of the season.