3 Denver Nuggets that might see an increased opportunity
By Sean Carroll
The Denver Nuggets have nothing to prove in the regular season. From here on out, the entire franchise is focused on winning an NBA championship and ensuring they’re healthy for the 2023 playoffs.
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. will be available at the start of the 2022-23 season but after recovering from major injuries, Michael Malone says they’ll be on minutes restrictions to start the season.
This lets Malone experiment a bit with his regular season rotation, testing out different lineups, and seeing if any fringe players have what it takes to break into the rotation. We’ll start off with the most recent addition to the roster:
Denver Nuggets: Can Jack White break into the rotation?
After securing the second and final two-way roster spot by playing well in Summer League, Jack White will get the opportunity to prove he belongs on an NBA roster. The defensive forward is playing in a crowded frontcourt but if he impresses in training camp, his gritty play should be a favorite of Michael Malone.
When looking at White, imagine a player like Torrey Craig but with better finishing capabilities and a stronger frame. If Jack hits his best-case scenario, he’ll be an excellent finisher off the catch and a solid defender.
He’s already on the outside looking in since his two-way deal limited him to half of the regular season games but Davon Reed proved last season that the Nuggets are more than happy to promote a player if they deserve a roster spot.
In the games where Michael Porter Jr. sits, White will be backing up Jeff Green, Zeke Nnaji, and Reed as the bigger forwards so there’s reason to believe he could secure himself consistent NBA minutes.