The Nuggets know that they’ll be without Christian Braun for at least six weeks, and they may be missing Cam Johnson for some time as well. In past seasons, two starters missing extended time would have been a death sentence for the Nuggets, but this year, the team has beefed up its depth, and they’re equipped to withstand these injuries.
We know this means more opportunity for bench players like Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr., who have already moved into the starting lineup. And we’re definitely going to see bigger roles for Jonas Valanciunas and Bruce Brown as well.
But this is quietly a massive opportunity for two-way wing, Spencer Jones. Jones had already been surprisingly sneaking his way into the rotation, stealing minutes here and there thanks to his outstanding defense. That role should only grow with two wings on the injury report, and we saw it on Saturday night when Jones played 17 minutes off the Denver bench.
Jones has surprisingly been seeing minutes over guys like Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson, despite not having a full-time contract, and he has been taking full advantage.
Jones can earn minutes with stellar defense
There’s a reason that Jones doesn’t have a full-time NBA contract, but also, he provides something that nobody else on the roster can. He fills out his 6’7”, 225-pound frame well, and is able to move laterally, up and down, and has the strength to battle with opposing players inside and out.
The Nuggets’ bench players all provide unique offensive skillsets, but they have more than enough versatility on that end. What they’re lacking is elite, lockdown defenders. It’s hard to declare Jones is quite that, but he has shown signs and is on the right track.
He has played well enough to earn more minutes, and there’s a real chance he can seize the moment and prove to be the team’s defensive ace. There’s a real path to minutes there, and if Jones can polish up his offensive game and hit some corner threes, there’s a real shot he can carve out a role on this team.
The Nuggets still have an open roster spot, and they can easily convert Jones’ contract if they feel inclined. They’re clearly all in on winning a title this season, and if they feel that Jones can help them accomplish that goal with his defense, they shouldn’t hesitate to elevate him and give him the minutes he deserves.