Nuggets: What to expect from Trey Lyles in 2017-18

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DENVER, CO – JUNE 27: The Denver Nuggets introduce Trey Lyles to the media during a press conference on June 27, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Denver Nuggets have a ton of power forwards on their roster. Can they get much from Trey Lyles next season?

Trey Lyles had a solid rookie year for the Utah Jazz, but took a step back in his second season. However, he showed some positive signs his rookie year, and still has the potential to be a solid contributor for the Denver Nuggets.

With Kenneth Faried in the doghouse and Mason Plumlee’s future uncertain, Denver needs someone to step us as a backup center. Lyles isn’t a dominating physical presence, but he has the ability to be a stretch four and a spot starter.

Strengths

In Lyles’ rookie year, he shot a very effective 38.3 percent from three-point range, but regressed to 31.9 percent his sophomore season. Lyles was 30 for 69 from corner threes his rookie year; 44.8 percent is impressive, albeit on a small sample size. If Lyles can get back to shooting the three at a league average clip, he can be a very capable stretch four.

Lyles does lack the lateral quickness and explosiveness to be an elite defender, but he has shown that he can be a competent one. Last season, as a pick-and-roll defender, Lyles held opponents to 6-of-23 shooting, good for a minuscule 26.1 percent. The sample size is incredibly small, but the results were very positive. Lyles has good size at the very least.

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