David Roddy, come on down, and welcome back to Colorado. The Nuggets made a roster move to shore up some depth at the wing and four as they prepare for their playoff push by signing Roddy to a two-way deal. Tamar Bates was waived in a corresponding move to make space for the former first-round pick.
Roddy, a former Colorado State Ram, will split his time between the Nuggets and their G-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. "Big Body" Roddy was selected with the 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, but he was traded the next day to the Memphis Grizzlies along with Danny Green for De'Anthony Melton.
Roddy's spent the past few years bouncing around from G-League to NBA on his way to playing in 168 games with stops in Memphis, Phoenix, Atlanta, Philly, Houston, and now Denver. In nearly 17 minutes of floor time per game, Roddy is averaging 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds.
He earned the nickname, Big Body, thanks to his unique frame. He's 6 feet 4 inches, 255 pounds, and he plays the four. He's similar to the "Round Mound of Rebound," Charles Barkley, in that he's an undersized four, but his style of play doesn't match a traditional wing.
Can Roddy provide an impact with the Nuggets?
Obviously, we have to wait for Roddy to suit up to see if and how head coach David Adelman will deploy the former Mountain West Player of the Year. But, hopefully, Roddy won't be needed.
That's not a knock on Big Body, but the Nuggets are on the verge of being whole and healthy for the first time since mid-November. There's a chance he may not see floor time.
The Nuggets are expecting two key players back soon
Aaron Gordon is set to make his not-so-long-awaited—but it felt like an eternity—return soon. And so is Peyton Watson. Two key players that the Nuggets have sorely missed over the last few weeks. Based on comments from coach Adelman, they're expected to rejoin the Nuggets before their 62nd game, against the Lakers.
And not a moment too soon. The Nuggets need help on defense and in the clutch. Gordon and Watson could provide an instant boost to both.
Ever since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, the Nuggets have played in what feels like six more weeks of winter. even though it's only been about four. But just like spring flowers are on the horizon, the Nuggets could be about to bloom, too.