Grading the Denver Nuggets' Current Two-Deep Depth Chart

With such a deep and versatile roster, the Denver Nuggets are fortunate in that they lack any glaring holes in the lineup. However, some positions are undoubtedly stronger than others, and the rotation is far from set in stone this early in the year.

After five preseason games, fans have gotten a chance to check out this new look Nuggets team featuring key new additions in Andre Iguodala and the re-signed JaVale McGee. This team has the opportunity to be a force out West this year, and has the ability to match up with opponents at virtually every position.

Let’s take a look at the Nuggets’ two deep lineup at each position. 

Point Guard

Starter: Ty Lawson

Backup: Andre Miller

Ty Lawson has improved significantly in each of his three NBA seasons, and Nuggets fans can expect the 24-year-old speedster to continue his development in his second year as a full time starting point guard. And though he hasn’t amazed in the preseason, he has done a solid job of running the team and looks to be in great shape.

Miller has appeared in just two preseason games thus far, but despite some shooting struggles he has looked like his usual self, logging 10 assists in 47 total minutes.

Lawson is a rising star and Miller is arguably the top backup point guard in the NBA. With these two running the floor, Denver’s offense will always be in good hands this season. 

Grade: A

Shooting Guard

Starter: Andre Iguodala

Backup: Corey Brewer

Corey Brewer has shot the lights out in the preseason, and is actually leading the team in scoring to this point with averages of 17.5 points in just 21.3 minutes per game. Although these numbers are unlikely to carry on into the regular season, it’s refreshing to see Brewer playing with such aggression. He remains one of the top backup wings in the league and projects to play like a poor-man’s Paul George in 2013.

Andre Iguodala, meanwhile, has had a bit of a rough start to his Nuggets career. In 5 games, Iguodala has shot just 32 percent from the field and 14 percent from outside while averaging a meager 8.2 points per game.

Despite his offensive struggles, though, Iguodala has showcased his trademark versatility and defensive ability and should see his shot return as he re-acclimates to the NBA climate.

With this duo plus the occasional Lawson or Wilson Chandler cameo at shooting guard, the Nuggets should see some major production from the two slot this season.

Grade: A-

Small Forward

Starter: Danilo Gallinari

Backup: Wilson Chandler

Danilo Gallinari has looked good in five preseason games so far, averaging 16.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while racking up an impressive number of steals as well. If he can stay healthy next season, he could compete for an All-Star spot on the Western Conference squad.

Chandler has the potential to be one of the NBA’s top bench contributors this season, but he will need to step up his play significantly from his poor preseason output if he hopes to maintain his sixth man role. He has averaged an abysmal 2.5 points per game during the preseason, but his poor production can largely be attributed to injury and his dearth of recent playing experience.

Still, few teams have two starting caliber small forwards on their roster (three if you count Iguodala), and odds are at least one of the two will be feeling it on any given night.

Grade: B+

Power Forward

Starter: Kenneth Faried

Backup: Anthony Randolph

Although Anthony Randolph has tons of upside, he hasn’t done a whole lot with it so far in his NBA career. Still, he has played efficiently in limited minutes during the preseason, averaging 7.3 points and five rebounds per game, and if he sustains these numbers into the regular season he should have little trouble earning extra minutes.

Faried looks like an absolute stud, and he has picked up right where he left off last season with plenty of high percentage shots and solid rebounding as well. If Coach Karl allows his minutes to creep into the 30’s this season, the sophomore should have little trouble averaging a double double in what could be a breakout season.

Both players still have plenty of growing to do, but should do a solid job of holding down the power forward position this season.

Grade: B

Center

Starter: Kosta Koufos

Backup: JaVale McGee/Timofey Mozgov

I had to go with all three of Denver’s centers here, since with such a variety of skills between this trio it’s impossible to predict who will get the most run on any given night.

This has been evident throughout the preseason thus far, as the three players have split minutes fairly evenly (Koufos has averaged the most at 19.2, Mozgov the least at 15) while each getting a chance in the starting lineup (though Koufos has been the most frequent starter).

Though McGee has shown a propensity to put up big scoring numbers on occasion, there’s little doubt that these three big men make their biggest impacts defensively and on the glass. And with such lethal offensive options on the perimeter, McGee is the only option here likely to have even a moderately high usage rate.  

The Nuggets lack a consistent star presence at the center position, but with three promising seven footers vying for minutes and the starting slot, George Karl should expect big things in the middle this season (both literally and figuratively).

Grade: B+