Denver Nuggets fans are rightfully thrilled right about now. With Calvin Booth and Michael Malone no longer infighting in Denver's front office, the Nuggets just made a huge splash and got themselves Cameron Johnson as well as their old friend Bruce Brown for next season. Now, to complete what would be a dream offseason, they need to go out and pick up a backup point guard.
It seems a foregone conclusion that Russell Westbrook will not be back in the Mile High City. What that means is a big hole will be left behind at the point guard position. Someone is going to have to assume the role of backing up Jamal Murray.
While Nikola Jokic’s passing often allows the Nuggets to function without a traditional floor general on the court, Denver’s second unit still needs direction, and someone who can steady the offense when the starters sit. One solid option that Denver may want to consider? Dennis Schroder.
The veteran guard is still one of the most reliable ball-handlers in the league off the bench. Schroder is a proven table-setter with defensive tenacity and the ability to get to the cup. The current Detroit Pistons guard would be a strong fit on Denver’s roster as it currently stands.
Denver needs a backup point guard
Dennis is fully capable of running the team's offense in spurts as well as playing with pace. When it comes to the ability to create and put points on the board in a hurry, Schroder would certainly be an upgrade over the version of Westbrook the Nuggets got late last season. Even more importantly, Dennis has experience playing on contending teams, and he brings a level of competitiveness that could thrive in the Nuggets' system.
Financially, Denver may be in a position to offer Schroder the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which will be around $14.1 million for next season. This would be a slight tick above Schroder's salary from this past season, and considering the season he had, it's reasonable to think he may agree to this kind of paycheck.
The Nuggets have already done the heavy lifting this summer by upgrading their wing depth and bringing back a beloved champion. But until they lock down a true point guard option behind Murray, the work is not ultimately complete.
One more well-calculated addition could elevate a great summer for Denver into a perfect one, and get the Nuggets one step closer to being the favorites in the West once again.