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The Denver Nuggets made another small move by signing Lonnie Walker IV to a one-year, $3.3 million contract after a season that Walker IV spent playing overseas with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague to further bulk up their backcourt core and while the Nuggets are still far from complete when it comes to their roster, adding Walker IV does add some supplemental depth.
Looking at the Nuggets' backcourt heading into next season, the obvious starters are Jamal Murray at point guard and Christian Braun at shooting guard, though that could change if the Nuggets do manage a trade involving Christian Braun before the season begins, though at the moment, those two are locked to be the starters.
Following the starting core, the Nuggets can expect Tyus Jones, who re-signed with the Nuggets on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, and Julian Strawther, who is heading into the last year of his rookie contract after the Nuggets picked up his team-option for the 2026-27 season, to follow.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After that, things do get tricky. The Nuggets did retain Spencer Jones after matching the two-year, $12 million offer sheet that the Oklahoma City Thunder put up to retain him and he should be a dependable option at shooting guard behind Braun and Strawther, and KJ Simpson is entering the final year of a two-year two-way contract with the Nuggets and as it stands, should be Denver's third option at the one.
Walker IV will likely be a deep bench option for the Nuggets at either shooting guard or small forward, but beyond that, the Nuggets don't have another good option at either guard slot.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Adama Bal (72) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
If necessary Jones could step up and play the two for Denver, but that's only if things are desperate and Murray is still on the floor, otherwise they don't have another option at shooting guard.
Things are even worse at the point guard slot. The Nuggets simply don't have another option beyond Simpson, a part-time G-Leaguer, to play the point and while they're already past the second apron, their backcourt core is remarkably incomplete.
Denver Nuggets guard Tyus Jones (5) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Murray was the healthiest of Denver's starters last season at 75 games played, but still, not having any other options deep on the bench that can at least switch over and play point is a massive misstep in the Nuggets' roster construction that they don't have much time to address in a meaningful way.
Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The biggest move the Nuggets have left to make would be to either sign Peyton Watson, who could play either the two or the three for Denver, or follow through on a sign-and-trade for the breakout wing, which could help alleviate the Nuggets' point guard concerns if they are smart about their return package.
Either way, the Nuggets need to act quickly to complete their roster or risk heading into the season without nearly enough depth in their backcourt to sustain an entire season.
Continue reading...
Looking at the Nuggets' backcourt heading into next season, the obvious starters are Jamal Murray at point guard and Christian Braun at shooting guard, though that could change if the Nuggets do manage a trade involving Christian Braun before the season begins, though at the moment, those two are locked to be the starters.
Following the starting core, the Nuggets can expect Tyus Jones, who re-signed with the Nuggets on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, and Julian Strawther, who is heading into the last year of his rookie contract after the Nuggets picked up his team-option for the 2026-27 season, to follow.
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Not Enough Point Guards
After that, things do get tricky. The Nuggets did retain Spencer Jones after matching the two-year, $12 million offer sheet that the Oklahoma City Thunder put up to retain him and he should be a dependable option at shooting guard behind Braun and Strawther, and KJ Simpson is entering the final year of a two-year two-way contract with the Nuggets and as it stands, should be Denver's third option at the one.
Walker IV will likely be a deep bench option for the Nuggets at either shooting guard or small forward, but beyond that, the Nuggets don't have another good option at either guard slot.
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Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Adama Bal (72) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
If necessary Jones could step up and play the two for Denver, but that's only if things are desperate and Murray is still on the floor, otherwise they don't have another option at shooting guard.
Things are even worse at the point guard slot. The Nuggets simply don't have another option beyond Simpson, a part-time G-Leaguer, to play the point and while they're already past the second apron, their backcourt core is remarkably incomplete.
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Denver Nuggets guard Tyus Jones (5) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
What Can the Nuggets Do To Fix This?
Murray was the healthiest of Denver's starters last season at 75 games played, but still, not having any other options deep on the bench that can at least switch over and play point is a massive misstep in the Nuggets' roster construction that they don't have much time to address in a meaningful way.
You must be registered for see images attach
Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The biggest move the Nuggets have left to make would be to either sign Peyton Watson, who could play either the two or the three for Denver, or follow through on a sign-and-trade for the breakout wing, which could help alleviate the Nuggets' point guard concerns if they are smart about their return package.
Either way, the Nuggets need to act quickly to complete their roster or risk heading into the season without nearly enough depth in their backcourt to sustain an entire season.
Continue reading...
