3 Nuggets whose stocks are skyrocketing, 2 that are fading fast

Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets, Justin Holiday. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock fading: Justin Holiday

The Nuggets signed the veteran to a one-year minimum deal this offseason with no promise of playing time. Denver lost two key rotation pieces in free agency, so there was opportunity. They needed a reserve wing who could guard multiple positions and sink open shots.

Holiday is a journeyman. This is his 11th NBA season, and the Nuggets are his tenth team. The 6’6 wing helped the Warriors win a championship in 2015 and has played several different roles throughout his travels.

Both sides went into the partnership with an open mind, but the playing time has not emerged for Holiday. He has been on the floor for 19 total minutes and played in just four of the team’s first 11 games. The veteran is behind Christian Braun and Peyton Watson in the rotation. The Nuggets want their young talents to play and grow, which leaves Holiday searching for an opportunity at consistent run.

Things could shift as the playoffs get closer. Braun and Watson have shots to solidify themselves in the rotation. Both have shown flashes in the early going, but head coach Michael Malone may prefer the veteran when the games matter most. Justin Holiday’s stock is down right now, but it could jump quickly if he takes advantage of an opportunity.