The Denver Nuggets entered early August with a skeletal 12-player roster. The only offseason acquisitions announced so far are forward Alpha Diallo, former first-round pick Marvin Bagley III, and veteran guard Tyus Jones. Second-round rookie Bryce Hopkins remains unsigned, with expectations that he will join the team on a two-way contract. Restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones have yet to receive tenders, leaving their futures uncertain.
A 12-player roster leaves the Nuggets with four open slots, including the two-way slot that could accommodate Hopkins. The front office can still add up to four players before training camp, but each addition must address the clear gaps on the bench. The only proven continuity is the starting five, Jamal Murray, Bruce Braun, Kent Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic, which proved effective in limited time together last season. As long as that core stays healthy, it remains one of the NBA’s strongest lineups.
The bench, however, is thin. The current rotation beyond the starters consists of Bagley, forward Isaiah Holmes, center Usman Nnaji, and guard Braxton Brazile. The lack of a true backup point guard is the most glaring weakness; Tyus Jones can handle minutes, but Denver has no clear secondary playmaker to relieve Murray’s ball-handling duties. In a system that thrives on high pick-and-roll actions with Jokic, a dedicated floor-general could keep defenses honest and prevent over-reliance on Murray.
Depth at the wing is also a concern. Watson and Spencer Jones could add perimeter shooting, but both are restricted free agents, and their decisions will determine whether Denver can field a versatile second unit. Without additional wing depth, the Nuggets risk repeating the thin bench that limited them late last season. Adding a reliable backup guard or a wing player with three-point range would instantly improve the bench’s credibility.
The bottom line is simple: Denver’s championship window remains open, but it hinges on shoring up the backcourt and wing depth. A single signing that addresses the backup-guard vacancy or enhances wing versatility could transform a fragile bench into a credible sixth-man unit, allowing the Nuggets to protect their elite starting five and stay competitive in a Western Conference that is already bolstering its benches.
