13 People who turned their backs on the Denver Nuggets

11. Bones Hyland

The Nuggets selected Hyland 26th overall in the 2021 draft. Fans have seen the franchise develop talent and find playing time for their youngsters. The 6’2 guard averaged 19.0 minutes per game as a rookie where he put up 10.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. There was plenty of excitement after year one, but it ended up being his only full season in Denver.

Things broke down in year two. Everyone expected him to take a step forward, especially with Monte Morris gone, but his playing time was inconsistent. Hyland is more of a score-first player, which sometimes did not fit. Things deteriorated further when he left the bench early in frustration. After that, he was inactive in six of the next nine games before being traded to the Clippers.

Denver got Thomas Bryant in return, but it cost them a second-round draft pick and Davon Reed with Hyland as part of a four-team swap. The young guard talked about the lack of communication, but leaving the floor early and forcing the team to hold him out is never the way to handle it.

The Denver Nuggets had to move on and did not regret it. Hyland has struggled to get minutes with the Clippers and could be on the move again.