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Trey Lyles’ recent play could propel him to starting lineup

By Mathew Huff

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 21: Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a shot against (L-R) Bobby Portis #5, David Nwaba #11, Noah Vonleh #30 and Antonio Blakeney #9 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 21: Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a shot against (L-R) Bobby Portis #5, David Nwaba #11, Noah Vonleh #30 and Antonio Blakeney #9 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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With the preseason Trey Lyles had, do not be surprised if he is in the Denver Nuggets’ starting rotation sometime this season.

For the record, this is not saying Trey Lyles of the Denver Nuggets is actually better than Paul Millsap.

However, after what we saw this preseason from both players, it is not too far fetched to see a shift at the power forward spot.

Millsap failed to log double figures in terms of points in any of the five preseason games, but did show a resurgence at the defensive end of the floor. Lyles had a great preseason as he was the star coming off the bench. In the one and only loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, Lyles recorded a nice overall stat line of 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. He also shot 50% from the field in this game and did this all in 24 minutes of play.

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In the game against the Bulls, the bench struggled, but he was the lone bright spot as he finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. The only one to finish with double figures on the second unit in this particular match up on the road.

Lyles is a perfect fit next to Jokic from an offensive stand point as he can stretch the floor with his range and get the floor to open up for Jokic to operate. With how efficient he has been from three point territory, it would keep the opposing defense honest.

With Millsap on the bench, it would not be such a bad thing for the four time All Star. It would provide the second unit with some much needed defensive firepower and possibly help him regain some of his flow on the offensive end. Plus, he could have a larger impact with the bench as a scoring option. In the starting lineup, he is the fourth or even fifth scoring option. Millsap actually had a decent preseason from a defensive standpoint.

However, the Nuggets may try to experiment with Trey Lyles in the starting rotation in the near future if Lyles continues to provide a spark off the bench and use Millsap as a sixth man who could provide valuable experience and defensive effort coming off the bench. This would potentially catch the opposition off guard.

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All in all though, it was good to see these two power forwards be productive as it will aid not just Nikola Jokic in the low post this season, but the the team as a whole as well.

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