Do the Denver Nuggets have enough depth?
By Weston Titus
Do the Denver Nuggets have enough depth at point guard?
Jamal Murray will be returning as the Nuggets’ starting point guard after tearing his ACL and missing two full postseasons and the entire 2021-2022 regular season.
This will be a welcome sight for Denver Nuggets fans after his last playoff performance in the bubble helped propel the team to the Western Conference Finals. He will be locked into the starting spot, but head coach Michael Malone said on NBA TV that he will be playing limited minutes to start the season.
With Monte Morris traded to the Washington Wizards, Bones Hyland is poised to receive the majority of the backup point guard minutes, as he showed a great ability to run an offense in the latter half of last season.
Veteran Ish Smith, who was acquired in the Monte trade, doesn’t project to have a solid role in the rotation but he has more experience than any other Denver guard. Coach Malone would likely rely on the veteran in the event of any injury.
Finally, undrafted rookie Collin Gillespie was signed on a two-way contract after five years at Villanova and showed great poise and leadership in Summer League games.
In addition to finally gaining his starter back, Calvin Booth did a great job backing Murray up with a mix of veterans and young players as an insurance policy should there be setbacks on his return.