3 Denver Nuggets players who need more playing time

Reggie Jackson, Point Guard

The other major move the Denver Nuggets made before the All-Star break came in the buyout market where they were able to sign veteran point guard Reggie Jackson. He’s exactly what the doctor ordered after Denver traded second-year guard Bones Hyland to the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline.

Jackson had been having a bit of a down year for the Clippers before they moved him, supplying 10.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field. However, he will slot in perfectly on the Nuggets bench as the backup point guard for Murray. The Nuggets were without a primary ball handler for the second unit after Hyland’s departure, and Jackson can take on that role while playing with the type of smart veteran decision-making that Hyland lacked.

While Jackson is not known for his playmaking or defense, there is one thing we know about the 12-year pro: the guy can score. His amazing run in the 2021 playoffs was evidence of that, showing the ability to create his own shots or spot up depending on the situation. The Nuggets will be looking for the 32-year-old to bring that clutch performing to the table whenever Murray isn’t out on the floor down the stretch—which could be more often than Nuggets fans might like, as Murray has missed the past four games due to knee inflammation.