Making sense of the Nuggets’ Rotation
By Jordan Reid
The Nuggets will have an interesting rotation to figure out this season.
After Mason Plumlee signed his 3 year, 41 million dollar deal, Denver gets a glimpse into their rotation and future. With training camp and preseason around the corner, there’s no better time to predict the rotation.
Denver Nuggets
Final rotation decisions will not be made until after training camp. We have a good idea of Denver’s direction in several areas though so let’s jump right in!
Center:
Denver’s center position may be its easiest position to predict. The starting job will certainly go to Nuggets star, Nikola Jokic. Jokic will remain the focal point of their offense and best player on their team.
With Plumlee signing a long-term deal, he’s locked in as their backup center. Mason brings
everything Denver could want out of a backup and what Nurkic wasn’t giving them. He is another passing big that can keep the fast pace offense moving when he comes in. Expect Plumlee to get a lot of time off the bench for Nikola and some time playing alongside Jokic.
Small Forward:
The starting small forward will be the veteran, Wilson Chandler. Last year Chandler wanted a starting role and with Gallinari’s trade, now he gets his chance. After averaging 15.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg (espn.com), Chandler should have no problem holding onto the starting job next year.
Denver will see a lot of work at the small forward position from both Hernangomez and Barton. Juancho was in and out of the rotation last year. Ultimately this is the year Sophomore, Juancho Hernangomez will seal his name into the rotation. And with Chandler’s injury history, it is possible Juancho could see quite a bit of starting time as well.
Shooting Guard:
Last year shooting guard was Denver’s big question mark. With Gary Harris, Will Barton, and lottery pick- Jamal Murray all fighting for the job. This year however, Gary Harris certainly has the starting role. Harris was one of the most efficient guards in the NBA last season and is the perfect role player.
With Jamal Murray moving to point guard, things should be open for “Will the Thrill” Barton to own the backup role. Barton has been great on Denver’s second unit. He is instant offense from all over the court.
Now things get a little trickier at Denver’s last two positions.
Point Guard:
Through an off-season full of league changing trades, Denver went to great lengths to hold onto their lottery pick- Jamal Murray. The second-year guard has shown potential as their point guard of the future. Denver went 5-1 in games where Murray scored over 20 points last season. Although Jamal got off to a slow start his rookie season, he blossomed into a great scorer late in the year. Expect Murray to take a big step forward and secure the starting point guard position.
The backup position is up for grabs between Jameer Nelson and Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay has a lot of work to do at training camp to prove he deserves the role. Unless Mudiay can prove himself, Denver will roll with their safer veteran guard, Jameer Nelson. Starting a 20-year-old at point guard in the NBA is risky business, so I expect an experienced veteran to back Murray up.
Denver has already shown their trust in the 13-year veteran. Jameer Nelson should at least start the season as Denver’s backup.
Power Forward:
Denver’s power forward position is packed. Denver currently has six power forwards on their roster. After bringing in 4-time all-star, Paul Millsap, there will be five players fighting for the backup spot. Paul Millsap will be making 30 million dollars this year and is Denver’s lock as a starter.
Training camp will likely decide the backup, but I like Trey Lyles from Utah. Denver President of
Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly has praised Lyles for quite some time. In an interview with the Denver Post, Connelly said Lyles was in the top-ten on their draft board in 2015. Denver didn’t get him in the draft, but they have him now. Expect Denver to use the 21-year-old at the backup position. And expect Denver to give him the chance to be their power forward of the future at the end of Millsap’s contract.
Last two:
The last two players that could creep into Denver’s rotation are Emmanuel Mudiay and Kenneth Faried. Denver only has two centers on their roster and Faried has shown he can play center in small-ball lineups. Faried will get some time at power forward and center.
Next: Nuggets: Potential big three brewing
Emmanuel Mudiay has too much potential to let it just sit on the bench and never be displayed. If Denver rolls with Murray as their point guard of the future then they need to trade Mudiay. Emmanuel Mudiay may still have a very bright NBA career and Denver can’t give him away for nothing. Denver will give Mudiay minutes and build him up as a trade piece this year.