Denver Nuggets: Early impressions on newly acquired players

Denver Nuggets: What has Bryn Forbes added?

Bryn Forbes was acquired to provide the bench unit with a knockdown shooter that teams can’t afford to help off of. So far, Forbes’ has been up and down as a shooter, but there are certainly signs of promise for his future.

Forbes has provided a shooting threat to play in staggered lineups with Nikola Jokic, as well as with the bench unit. His threat and shooting gravity force teams to honor him when attacking screens, and he provides some much-needed spacing in the minutes that he plays.

The 3-point shot has admittedly been inconsistent, but I’ve been impressed with his mid-range game. His floater in particular is a legitimate tool in his bag, and gives him another option when teams inevitably close out on his jump shot.

Forbes also moves well without the ball in his hands. Like the other great shooters in the NBA, Forbes knows how to shake defenders by moving around the perimeter, and it’s something I’d like to see more of in his minutes moving forward.

What can Bryn Forbes improve on for the Denver Nuggets?

For whatever reason, the 3-point shot just isn’t falling at the rate Forbes is used to so far in Denver. Forbes is shooting just 35 percent on four attempts per game from 3-point range. As a career 40 percent 3-point shooter, I have plenty of confidence that the shot will come, but right now it just isn’t falling.

However, the Nuggets can help Forbes get cleaner looks from distance. Utilizing the dribble-handoff game between Forbes and Jokic would create excellent opportunities for Forbes. The same action can be used to generate great looks with DeMarcus Cousins and Zeke Nnaji off the bench.

Running designed plays utilizing multiple screeners will also help Forbes find open looks. Teams have focused on chasing Forbes so far, and adding additional obstacles to shake defenders, much like the Golden State Warriors do with Steph Curry, could unlock Forbes’ full potential.

More than anything, I want to see Michael Malone make a stronger effort to get Bryn Forbes open looks. Forbes isn’t going to create his own shot with the ball in his hands, so designing ways for him to get the basketball should be paramount for the Denver Nuggets.