Prediction: Who Will Earn the Last Two Nuggets’ Roster Spots?
By Evan Hosmer
Axel Toupane- SF
Axel Toupane is a player that is no stranger to hard work. Toupane spent a good amount of time in the NBA development league before getting his chance in the NBA with the Nuggets. The Nuggets signed Toupane to a 10 day contract in early March, and would eventually sign Toupane to the team on a two year deal.
Toupane showed in his brief stint with the Nuggets that he has the ability to play in this league. Coach Mike Malone noticed this as well, saying about Toupane:
"“What stood out to me about watching Axel play is he is a very capable ball handler and playmaker”"
Toupane has also shown that he is a capable shooter at the small forward position, consistently getting better as the season went on at hitting jump shots from anywhere on the floor. His three point shot was off a bit in the summer league for the Nuggets this year, but his excellent work ethic will allow Toupane to continue to develop that part of his game.
Toupane has also shown tenacity on the defensive end. He works extremely hard defensively and has gained a reputation as a good defensive player as a result. Toupane is a typical 3 and D player for the Nuggets, able to stretch defenses with a corner 3 ball and play excellent defense on the other end.
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Axel Toupane is one of the players it is hard not to root for, working hard every day to make it to this level. Axel Toupane has more qualities that fit what the Nuggets are looking for at the small forward position than JaKarr Sampson. Therefore, Axel Toupane should make the final roster this season and continue to work hard and develop his game at the NBA level.
