Denver Nuggets: What we’ve learned through two scrimmages

The Denver Nuggets have split their first two scrimmages after a win against the Wizards and a loss to the Pelicans.

The Denver Nuggets have at times looked unstoppable and at others entirely pedestrian in two exhibition contests. The first game brought about the now infamous “mile high lineup” after Michael Malone’s bold decision to start five different players 6”8 or taller.

The Nuggets may have found themselves something in Bol Bol. The gigantic center from Sudan has been incredibly impressive through two games on both ends of the floor, even canning four three pointers in the two games. The Miami Heat originally drafted Bol before shipping him to the Nuggets on draft night.

The move may have been a huge win for the Nuggets as they added to their already massive stable of front court players. However, it does appear that the Nuggets were thinking for the long term as both Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee will hit free agency after the conclusion of the NBA’s adjusted schedule.

The Nuggets have a lot of rotation work to figure out, as they have yet to be able to implement the entirety of their roster onto the floor in either game. Only eight players hit the floor in both games, limiting the exposure of the roster to just half. Troy Daniels has been a nice find for the Nuggets, who looks like he’ll provide a badly needed infusion of outside shooting.

To this point, it is difficult to know exactly what the team’s plans are for the remainder of the season. But it is perfectly clear what the team plans to do with both Plumlee and Millsap. While Grant has a player option this year, he would be smart to opt in to his deal and become the full time starter once one or both of the veterans leave.

Bol is still a long term project, but he has proven he has a place in this league and will continue to develop throughout the rest of the season. The Nuggets will next take on the Orlando Magic on Monday night.