Denver Nuggets: P.J. Dozier has the inside track to playing time

From undrafted prospect to potential starting guard for a top-seeded playoff team, the Denver Nuggets might have found their next 3-and-D wing in P.J. Dozier. Following a standout preseason performance, can Dozier make his way into the starting lineup?

While it’s still only the preseason, Michael Malone has been playing plenty of his more experienced players as the team builds up for the start of the 2021-22 season.

Through four games, Dozier has played 21.7 minutes a night, coming off the bench behind Will Barton, averaging 11.2 points per night, 1.5 assists a night, and more importantly, 35 percent from the 3-point line on 4.2 attempts a game.

He’s tasked with guarding the best wing creator and has improved his 3-point shooting, far beyond where he was when he entered the season.

Malone had high praise for P.J. according to Harrison Wind, DNVR Sports before the preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder:

"“I think PJ Dozier has been outstanding in the preseason. Those guys are in a really good spot.”"

With Jamal Murray out for most, if not all, of next season, the Denver Nuggets will have to find a way to replace his production for an entire season. Assuming Michael Porter Jr. continues his hot shooting following the injury last season and if Monte Morris can assume starting point guard duties, there’s a role to fill in on defense.

Will Barton will rightfully be the starter when he’s healthy, but with plenty of offensive creators already on the floor with Nikola Jokic, MPJ, and Morris, would Malone be better off with a defensive option instead of Will the Thrill?

Dozier’s lack of aggression from behind the arc has been an issue throughout his career. Even when he shoots an above-average percentage, it’s on very limited attempts.

Assuming the worst-case scenario happens and P.J.’s long-range shots stay as they are, it’s not unplayable. A closing lineup of Jokic, Aaron Gordon, MPJ, Morris, and P.J. Dozier has more than enough shooting across the board, giving others space to operate.

Speaking with Vinny Benedetto, The Denver Gazette, Gordon spoke on how the team has been playing in the offseason:

"“We’re sharing the ball really well. Defensively, we’re doing what we need to do. We’re getting out in transition. We’re not messing up a lot of sets. Defensively, here and there we have some breakdowns that we need to clean up, but overall, we’re doing well.”"

This small sample size has to be looked at through preseason-tinted glasses. P.J.’s going up against slightly sub-par talent and starters who aren’t going at their full capacity and mostly not playing in the fourth quarter.

But one thing that is important about this preseason slate of games is what Michael Malone does. Plenty have read into his dependence on Bones Hyland and Dozier in this preseason. It’s looking like both will have the opportunity to really break into the roster.

This upcoming season could be the breakout P.J. Dozier needs to truly establish himself as an elite 3-and-D wing in the NBA.