he’s been doing all the little things as well. Jalen Pickett has shown great vision and playmaking ability, and Hunter Tyson has been a spark on both ends of the floor.”
Malone’s praise for the rookies is significant because it speaks to the depth of the Nuggets’ roster. While the starting lineup is undeniably talented, it’s the bench players who often make the difference in games. And if Strawther, Pickett, and Tyson can step up and contribute in their rookie seasons, it will only make the Nuggets a more formidable team.
Julian Strawther, a 6-foot-7 forward out of Gonzaga, has impressed in training camp with his shooting ability and overall versatility. He’s shown that he can knock down shots from beyond the arc and also put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. But it’s not just his offense that has caught Malone’s eye; Strawther has also been active on the defensive end, using his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
Jalen Pickett, a 6-foot-4 guard out of Siena, has shown off his playmaking ability in training camp. He’s made some impressive passes that have caught the attention of his coaches and teammates. Pickett has a great feel for the game and has shown the ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His court vision and passing ability make him a valuable asset off the bench, as he can help facilitate the offense and keep the team’s ball movement going.
Hunter Tyson, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Clemson, has been a spark on both ends of the floor in training camp. He’s shown an ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, which is a valuable skill in today’s NBA. But it’s his energy and effort on defense that have really stood out. Tyson has been active in the passing lanes, using his length to get deflections and steals, and he’s been a presence in the paint, contesting shots and grabbing rebounds.
While it’s still early in training camp, the performances of Strawther, Pickett, and Tyson have given Malone confidence in his bench unit. He knows that he can rely on these rookies to come in and make an impact when called upon. And having a strong bench is crucial for the Nuggets, especially in a long and grueling NBA season.
In addition to the rookies, the Nuggets also have some experienced players coming off the bench. Monte Morris, who has been a steady backup point guard for the Nuggets in recent years, will once again provide stability and leadership. JaMychal Green, who signed with the Nuggets in free agency, brings veteran presence and versatility to the frontcourt. And PJ Dozier, who showed flashes of potential last season, will look to take another step forward in his development.
With the combination of talented rookies and experienced veterans, the Nuggets have the potential to be one of the deepest teams in the league. This depth will not only allow them to withstand injuries and rest their starters, but it will also give them an edge in the playoffs when rotations tighten up and bench contributions become even more important.
The Nuggets’ success last season was built on the strength of their starting lineup. But as Michael Malone has made clear, he has confidence in his bench unit to step up and make an impact. And if the performances of Strawther, Pickett, and Tyson in training camp are any indication, the Nuggets could be an even more dangerous team this season.
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