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Nuggets: 3 best additions to the team this offseason

By Quenton S. Albertie

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 20: Greg Whittington of Sydney celebrates a three pointer during the round three NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Sydney Kings at the North Shore Events Centre on October 20, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 20: Greg Whittington of Sydney celebrates a three pointer during the round three NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Sydney Kings at the North Shore Events Centre on October 20, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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Which players were the best additions the Denver Nuggets this offseason?

The Denver Nuggets have had a whirlwind of an offseason.

Adding two rookies from the 2020 NBA Draft, two veterans who played multiple years abroad, and two gifted frontcourt players to their roster while losing three rotation players in free agency, the Nuggets’ roster will will look a lot different next season.

However, while many felt like Denver took a small step back this offseason, they made some exciting additions that could prove to make their roster better than it was last year.

(Readers beware, the players on this list likely aren’t who you think they are.)

R.J. Hampton

19-year-old rookie R.J. Hampton was acquired by the Nuggets as part of the Jrue Holiday trade after he was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

A speedy and crafty point guard with great length, strong passing instincts, a re-worked jumper and the potential to be a difference-making defender, it’s easy to see Hampton being the well-rounded lead guard playing beside Jamal Murray in the backcourt in a couple of seasons.

Hampton has been nothing short of enthusiastic and charismatic since being drafted by the Nuggets, showing himself to be the type of player with the on-court and off-court skillset that will make him a fan favorite. While not the priority for the franchise, Hampton’s personality does enhance the value of what looks to be a promising career.

Greg Whittington

Greg Whittington?! The guy that Denver signed to a two-way contract?

Yes.

While JaMychal Green was an understandable signing — a band-aid to help mitigate the loss of forward Jerami Grant — he’s 29-years-old and would have been a more fitting replacement for Paul Millsap than Jerami Grant. Perhaps Green was already on the Nuggets’ radar this offseason specifically because he would have been able to play a similar role as Millsap had the latter left in free agency.

That said, defensive versatility was still a concern for Denver due to the absence of Grant; Green isn’t nearly as capable of guarding four or five positions.

By signing Whittington, a multi-dimensional 27-year-old forward who bears a remarkable similarity to Grant, the Nuggets may have given themselves a puncher’s chance at replacing their unexpected loss.

Like Grant, Whittington is a fluid athlete and high-flyer at 6’8″ and 212 pounds (Grant was listed at 6’8″ and 210 pounds), as well a player capable of attacking the rim, knocking down shots from the perimeter and successfully guarding multiple positions.

Zeke Nnaji

Zeke Nnaji, like draftmate R.J. Hampton, could very well fail to see the floor in his rookie season.

This is, in part, due to the depth that the Nuggets — a NBA Finals hopeful — have and Nuggets head coach Michael Malone’s old-school approach to playing rookies. It’s also due to the unnaturally short turnaround between the NBA Draft (Nov. 20) and Opening Night (Dec. 22).

However, what makes Nnaji — like Hampton — one of the team’s three best additions to the team is what he can provide to the team both now and in the future.

Hampton provides the Nuggets with a traditional point guard that has a level of length and defensive potential they haven’t had at the position since Andre Miller. Nnaji is the type of mobile big man that they needed to be able to trust as a perimeter defender last season.

With Nnaji — 6’11” and 240 pounds — also a capable jump shooter and shot-blocker, he should play a valuable role for Denver in the future. He could even be seen at the ends of games if Malone takes Nikola Jokic out for defensive purposes.

For now, Nnaji will join Hampton in improving the locker room dynamic, infusing youthful energy and positivity into a group that seemed as if they weren’t always having fun last year.

Next. Nuggets potential starting lineup for 2020-21. dark

Although Facundo Campazzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, JaMychal Green and Paul Millsap could have made this list, there’s questions about them that could effect their value.

Campazzo’s defense and perimeter shooting. Hartenstein’s lack of productivity, opportunity and experience at the NBA level. Green’s lack of defensive versatility relative to Jerami Grant. Millsap’s age and declining athleticism.