The biggest question mark on the Nuggets’ roster has been the backup point guard position behind Jamal Murray. They’ve gotten by with guys like Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. carrying an extra playmaking burden, and things have been okay, but it’s a clear area of concern, and it has only become more pronounced with the recent injuries.
One guy who has been thrust into a bigger role is the only true point guard on the roster besides Murray, Jalen Pickett. Pickett has been in and out of the rotation his first few years in the league, but with Russell Westbrook signing elsewhere in the offseason, there’s no other point guard on the bench.
With Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and now Peyton Watson all missing time with injuries, Bruce Brown and Spencer Jones were forced to start on Thursday night against the Magic, which meant heavy minutes for Pickett off the bench.
Jalen was up to the challenge and did a great job spearheading the second unit. He finished with 9 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, and didn’t turn the ball over during his 24 minutes, and the Nuggets were +17 with Pickett on the floor in a game they won by 11, 126-115.
Pickett giving Denver an unexpected boost off the bench
We’ll see if this is sustainable and if Pickett maintains this role when everyone is healthy. But it’s a great sign that they can at least count on him in a pinch. If he can offer this type of production on a consistent basis, then Denver will need to look no further for a backup point guard.
But Pickett has been inconsistent and unreliable at times, which can get dicey, especially in bigger games and when the playoffs start. Realistically, when the games matter the most, Murray is going to play upwards of 35 minutes.
It’s not a big role that Pickett will have to fill, and eating innings in the regular season will be as important as anything, but his recent play is offering lots of hope. If he can prove worthy of this role, it offers the front office a lot more optionality and flexibility in their maneuvering.
But if this showing is more of a one-off and Pickett can’t be relied upon, the team is going to have to go out and make a move for a steady, veteran ballhandler to come off the bench down the stretch.