The Reserves
25 Malik Beasley SG | 22 | 6-5 | 198 pounds
Beasley and the Nuggets were unable to reach an extension ahead of Monday’s deadline, meaning he’ll play this season without his next contract in hand. If Beasley can shoot like he did last season, he’ll have no trouble cashing in next offseason.
10 Bol Bol C | 19 | 7-2 | 235 pounds
A two-way contract will limit Bol’s NBA introduction as he’s recovering from foot surgery. Denver balanced risk and reward by taking him in the second round. A rare combination of shooting touch and size makes his upside sky high, but Bol is a long-term project who needs time to develop.
31 Vlatko Cancar PF | 22 | 6-8 | 210 pounds
The 2017 second-round pick from Slovenia averaged 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the summer league. He signed a three-year deal with the Nuggets during the offseason. Cancar faces stiff competition for playing time with Denver loaded at wing.
3 Torrey Craig SF | 28 | 6-6 | 215 pounds
From undrafted in 2014, to starting in the playoffs, Craig’s NBA evolution is impressive. He’s in contention to keep that role should he continue to lock down opposing forwards while being a consistent spot-up shooter. Craig must create his offensive opportunities by moving without the ball.
41 Juan Hernangomez
SF | 24 | 6-9 | 220 pounds Hernangomez could have a big season ahead if he can find minutes. Before a core injury limited him in the second half last season, he was a reliable shooter and rebounder. A healthy offseason, featuring a gold medal run with Spain in the FIBA World Cup, could spell a bounce-back year.
11 Monte Morris PG | 24 | 6-2 | 175 pounds
The third-year pro solidified his backup point guard role with just a 6.6% turnover rate a year ago and consistent scoring off the bench. Morris hit a wall in postseason play and admitted as much. Improved conditioning and increased jump-shooting efficiency are his goals this season.
24 Mason Plumlee C | 29 | 7-1 | 238 pounds
Plumlee is the ultimate “glue guy” and his development in the pick-and-roll with Morris has been a nice development on the second unit. Plumlee must embrace an enforcer role at the rim and on the glass, in addition to improving his midrange game, to keep his minutes consistent.
1 Michael Porter Jr. SF | 21 | 6-10 | 215 pounds
Porter has shown flashes of what made him a projected top-three NBA draft pick in 2018 before a second back surgery delayed his highly anticipated debut. Expect a learning curve. No one doubts Porter’s offensive talent, but there are question marks about his defense.
8 Jarred Vanderbilt PF | 20 | 6-9 | 214 pounds
A string of leg/foot injuries kept the former 5-star Kentucky signee from realizing his potential. Now healthy, the Nuggets hope he’ll be an athletic rebounder with the ball-handling skills of a guard. Playing time might prove difficult, though, as he’s behind several established forwards.