Nuggets’ Guard Jam: How Denver’s Rotation is Stifling Young Talent
The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions and home to the best big man in the league, find themselves in an unusual position—not at the top of the standings, but at a crossroads when it comes to nurturing young talent, particularly in the backcourt. Despite their success, the Nuggets are making decisions that may have long-term consequences, especially for their developing guards.
Over the past few seasons, Denver has drafted or signed promising young guards with the hopes of building a sustainable supporting cast around Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. However, the team’s rotation continues to tighten around veterans and familiar faces, limiting the developmental minutes necessary for emerging talent to flourish.
Take Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Peyton Watson as examples. While each has shown flashes of potential, their opportunities have been inconsistent at best. Minutes are hard to come by when head coach Michael Malone leans heavily on experience, favoring trusted rotation players even during stretches where younger players could contribute and learn through live reps.
The problem deepens when you consider the Nuggets’ need for a more balanced roster heading into future seasons. With salary cap limitations looming, Denver must hit on young players to remain competitive. Yet, by not giving their guards enough run—especially in games with little consequence or against weaker opponents—the team may be sabotaging its own future.
This season has highlighted that concern more than ever. Injuries to starters have sometimes forced Malone’s hand, but rather than trust rookies or sophomores, he has often turned to short-term solutions. It’s a move that may win a few regular-season games, but potentially at the cost of development and confidence for the team’s future core.
Player development doesn’t happen on the bench. It happens on the court—through mistakes, pressure, and repetition. If Denver truly wants to extend its championship window, it must find a better balance between staying competitive now and grooming the next wave of contributors. Otherwise, promising guards may stagnate or seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving Denver with a talent gap when it can least afford one.
In a league where development is as crucial as talent, the Nuggets are risking long-term value for short-term safety—and it may cost them more than just a few missed layups.
