The Denver Nuggets went into the 2026 NBA Draft with two second-round picks. Bryce Hopkins was selected with the latter pick, the 49th selection. After two Las Vegas Summer League games, Hopkins looks like a hidden gem who should be on the Nuggets' roster in some capacity in 2026-27.
The Nuggets currently have two open two-way slots and three more standard roster spots after they added Alpha Diallo, the EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year. One of them must be filled by Hopkins after the showcase he's put on in two games at the Summer League.
Hopkins has now had two great games in a row in which he showed a physicality in getting to the rim that the Nuggets just didn't have last year. Hopkins doesn't shy away from contact, and he uses his size and strength to maneuver around less physical defenders with ease.
The Nuggets need the youthful, high-motor play
The Nuggets didn't have anyone besides Jamal Murray or Peyton Watson who could really create well and attack the rim last year, and it was especially apparent against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Without having to guard the paint for incoming drives, the Timberwolves played tighter man-to-man defense and forced tough shot after tough shot.
Having that downhill, athletic, physical threat could have been a game-changer in the series. Hopkins used those attributes to score 16 points and snag 7 rebounds while shooting 6-13 from the floor in his second summer league game. It was an impressive follow-up to his 24-point, 4-rebound, 3-steal, and 2-block debut.
Of course, the level of competition in the summer league is not going to be near the level of competition in the NBA. But Hopkins' physical play could be exactly what's needed to overcome the difference in talent, as he is not shy about banging into someone to gain extra space and leverage on his way to the rim.
Hopkins has looked the best of the Nuggets at Summer League
Hopkins has been the biggest surprise and most fun to watch at Summer League. He's had a couple of powerful dunks, and his style of play is the embodiment of what the Nuggets lacked last year. He's got a fight in him, and that kind of hustle and play could be infectious for the Nuggets' psyche.
Hopkins would be a great addition to the Nuggets. They'd be better off going for youth and athleticism than an older vet who is on their way out and slowing down for the final rotation spots, and I hope we see Bryce on the bench in the fall.
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