Denver Nuggets: An updated look at the depth chart after FA
By Sean Carroll
Denver Nuggets post-FA depth chart: Small forward
Starter: Michael Porter Jr.
We haven’t heard anything about a Michael Porter Jr. extension but either way, the former Missouri product will be on full display this upcoming season.
With Jamal Murray injured, the Nuggets are without their second-best scorer and go-to ball handler. He and MPJ play different positions, but both can light it up from outside, and off the dribble.
We saw a glimpse of what may be ahead in the post-Jamal Murray games in 2020-21. In that sample size, MPJ averaged 22.8 points a night while hitting 55 percent from the floor, 45 percent from 3-point range, and 86 percent from the free throw line.
In that same time frame, with only a 20 percent usage, MPJ scored 141.8 points per 100 shot attempts, one of the best marks in the league according to Cleaning the Glass. He was making 59 percent of threes from the corner and 82 percent of his shots at the rim
Backup: Jeff Green
The Denver Nuggets’ newest player, Jeff Green, will likely be backing up MPJ but his versatility on defense will probably see him playing next to the wing.
Uncle Jeff can guard multiple positions, switch on defense, and give Michael Malone plenty of optionality with his lineups.
On opening night, he’ll likely be backing up MPJ on the wing (especially if Dozier hasn’t been guaranteed) but could even close the game if needed.
Third string: P.J. Dozier
It might be a bit risky to put P.J. here considering he’s not actually on the roster until he’s guaranteed, but his defensive versatility is so hard to pass up.
I’m a huge fan of P.J. and I hope Denver can keep him next season and moving forward. He is, after all, as Chris Marlowe calls him ‘P.J. Composure’ (or is it spelt Compozier?)