Position by Position Analysis: Who Starts, Plays Shooting Guard For Nuggets?
By Drew Davis
The Denver Nuggets have multiple players pushing to start at every position, especially shooting guard.
The team has arguably six players who could play minutes at the two position for the team, and now the question must be asked; Who starts?
Starting off is, freshly re-signed, Will Barton. Barton, who Denver acquired in mid February in the Arron Afflalo trade, re-signed to a 3-year extension worth around 11 million this past offseason. The 24 year-old played 28 games after coming to Denver, and averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds,1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over that span (NBA.com).
Barton provided a great spark and energy, and started his tenure with the Nuggets with a great 3-point that eventually leveled out at an average of 27.1%.
Next, is one of Denver’s 2014 1st round draft picks, Gary Harris. Harris, a defensive minded player, has struggled to develop his offensive game. These issues were present in Summer League as Harris was unable to connect on many of his three pointers.
Harris starting would continue the youth movement the Nuggets are trying to emplace.
Yet if Harris’ offensive struggles continue, including just a 20.4 three-point percentage, it could be a potential bad fit next to the newly drafted point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who is more of a pass first player.
The third option is the ten year veteran Randy Foye. Foye averaged over 21 minutes last season, adding 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a game.
Foye also put up an impressive 35.7% from beyond the arc. Being a great locker room presence, Foye would be an asset despite his role’s impact.
Other options for bench minutes could include playing newly resigned Wilson Chandler at shooting guard, so that Gallinari and him could be on the court at the same time; having Emmanuel Mudiay and Jameer Nelson both on the court at the same time offsetting the guard positions; as well, having point guard Erick Green play a reserve role.
So who do you think start at shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets, and who should come off the bench? How would you utilize these players best for Denver?
