The Nuggets and Nuggets fans got more than they expected out of two-way player David Roddy. And that could be great for everyone if the Nuggets are serious about having Roddy in the conversation for a roster spot.
The Nuggets signed Roddy to a two-way contract at the beginning of March for added depth. Spencer Jones was converted to a full-time contract, and the Nuggets had room.
The Colorado State graduate and former first-round pick was expected to slide down to the end of the bench or wear street clothes and be listed as inactive most nights unless someone else was out or hurt. Outside of garbage time in a couple of blowout wins and a blowout loss, that's exactly what happened.
But the Nuggets decided to play it smart and rest their key players going into the postseason. That opened the door for Roddy to see some extended playing time for the first time as a Nugget.
Roddy may have played his way to another chance next year with the Nuggets.
Many were calling for his return next season. And, he may also have become a new fan favorite in the process. At least for a couple of nights.
Roddy was an awesome surprise in both games
Roddy had quite the two games for the Nuggets. First, against the Thunder, "Big Body" Roddy, who picked up the nickname due to his NFL linebacker-like frame, exploded for 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets pull away from the Thunder in the battle of the bench units. He was 3-6 from three and 8-12 from the floor in 25 minutes.
The Nuggets employed the same rest strategy against the Spurs, but this time Nikola Jokic was forced to play the first half so he'd qualify for the NBA postseason awards. And Roddy got floor time with Joker for the first time with 5 minutes left in the first quarter.
Roddy went on to play 33 minutes and put up 15 points and snag 13 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive rebounds. His energy was abundant, and he's a smiling, bright spark the Nuggets needed in each of the last two games to pull out the wins.
Roddy should get a shot next summer
Two games were enough. With an extended run, you can see Roddy has the fire inside to compete and give it his all. What's to lose? Scott Hastings said during the broadcast that he thought Roddy at least deserved a chance to compete for a spot in training camp.
And after the game, head coach David Adelman said that Roddy had earned the right to be in the conversation for a roster spot. So there's a genuine chance we get to see more of Roddy at some point next year for the Nuggets.
We can all hope Roddy at least gets that chance. He won over many in two games. Thanks for those awesome two games, Big Body!