The Denver Nuggets didn't have many options to get downhill and attack the rim in 2025-26, and without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, that void was even more apparent. But if the Nuggets' first Las Vegas Summer League game is any indication, they found a player in Bryce Hopkins who can absolutely fill that void.
Presenting: Bryce's Summer League debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OFmYCTr7EY
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 11, 2026
Hopkins, the 49th pick of the NBA Draft, and the Nuggets' second second-round pick, stole the show in the summer league opener, exploding for 24 points on 9-13 shooting, largely on the back of all of his drives to the basket. The athleticism he showed in getting to the rim was a delight, and he had a couple of powerful dunks and many strong finishes in the paint.
The Nuggets had a big problem when they went into the paint against the Timberwolves, and it wasn't until Games 5 and 6 that they had much success, thanks to Cameron Johnson's driving to the basket. But it was far too late by then, and the Nuggets exited the playoffs in the first round.
Hopkins should absolutely be a Nugget
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound big wing from St. John's wasn't just attacking the rim. Hopkins showed his range with a corner three, and he also showed he can hit the turnaround jumper in the paint. But it wasn't just the athleticism he displayed that was a welcome sight for Nuggets fans. It was also the physicality. Hopkins never shied away from contact and always finished his drives strongly.
Hopkins wasn't done, and he showed defensively that he wants a spot on the roster. Hopkins had 3 steals and 2 blocks, completing a heck of a debut for the Nuggets and showcasing the all-around game that would be a big addition to the back end of the Nuggets bench.
But Hopkins is not guaranteed a roster spot as a second-round pick. The Nuggets will have to offer him either a standard contract, likely at the league minimum, for salary purposes, or a two-way contract. But given what's left on the free agent market, Hopkins and his high-motor game are probably a better option than most of what is left.
I would much rather see the Nuggets take a chance on the youth and athleticism of Hopkins than sign someone like Nicolas Batum, who is 37 and a good example of what's left on the market. The Nuggets need a youthful, physical, athletic injection, and Hopkins just showed why he'd be a great fit for all of that.
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