3 takeaways as Denver Nuggets’ Summer League comes to an end

The Denver Nuggets are fresh off their final Summer League game that took place on Sunday night against the Utah Jazz. While the game unfortunately resulted in a loss for the Nuggets, there was still plenty of positive takeaways from the competition overall.

Through five Summer League contests, the Nuggets finished with a record of 2-3, which beautifully illustrates exactly how things have gone for the team. As a young core oozing with potential but one that still needs time to develop.

Even though there was nothing that jumped off the page statistically for the majority of Denver’s young core of prospects. We at the very least were able to see how they mesh with each other as well as the how their respective skill sets could blend with the rest of the Nuggets roster in the future.

Amid the ups-and-downs of the 2022 Las Vegas Summer League, a few players have stood out above the rest and could even become valuable role players for the Denver Nuggets down the line. As we look on to the season ahead, it’s time to break down some clear takeaways now that the event has officially concluded.

3 takeaways as Denver Nuggets’ summer league comes to an end

3. Ismael Kamagate has potential, but needs time to develop

The Denver Nuggets had three draft picks from this year on their Summer League roster; Christian Braun, Peyton Watson and Ismael Kamagate. As well as two-way contract player, Collin Gillespie and their other most recent two-way signing, Jack White. However, Kamagate arguably had the biggest question mark next to his name coming into the event.

When the Nuggets moved back into the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, it was a puzzling move to say the least. What was even more puzzling was the fact that they did so only to select Ismael Kamagate, who many had falling into late second-round or even undrafted territory. Yet, he’s already proven what he could be capable of in a few years time.

At 6’11” and nearly 230 pounds, Kamagate was always going to be tasked with being the team’s lead shot blocker and rebounder, the majority of which has come to fruition. Through five Summer League games, he managed to swat away six shots and reeled in 11 total offensive rebounds, both of which led the team. Highlighted by an impressive performance against the Cavaliers on July 10th, in which he finished with ten points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots.

While he still leaves a lot to be desired in the scoring department and could stand to improve his defensive rebounding ability as well, Kamagate certainly has potential. Not only has he proven to be a vertical athlete with the mobility to defend along the perimeter, but he’s also shown the ability to roll hard to the basket and finish strong above the rim.

Currently, the Denver Nuggets have DeAndre Jordan as the their only true backup center on the roster, with Zeke Nnaji, Jeff Green and Vlatko Cancar all playing a supportive role in the frontcourt. Both Green and Jordan’s contracts are up after this year, while Nnaji is not considered a long term solution at the five spot.

This means that the Nuggets will need an affordable backup center by the time next year rolls around and Kamagate certainly has the potential to mold into that role. Specifically since he’s going to spend next season overseas anyway, where he can fine tune his game and develop into a legitimate NBA center.