Nuggets Preseason: David Adelman Experiments with Bench Rotation and New Second Unit

How did the Nuggets configure their bench unit in Salt Lake City?

With starters playing only the first half, David Adelman deployed a full second-unit lineup during the second half of the preseason matchup. In the absence of Spencer Jones, who missed the game with a left hamstring injury, DeMar DeRozan shifted to the power forward position.

Aaron Gordon finished as Denver’s leading scorer with 18 points, while Cameron Johnson added 10 points. Nikola Jokic showed slightly more aggression than in the opening game, though he still attempted only four shots. Julian Strawther also stood out as the bench’s top scorer with 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting, displaying improved ability to attack the rim and finding Alpha Diallo twice behind the arc on drives.

When that pace stalls, Adelman added, the offense slows down to run possessions through DeRozan in the post.

What role will Marvin Bagley III play for Denver?

David Adelman confirmed that Marvin Bagley III is slated to anchor the backup center minutes for the Nuggets this season.

Bagley, a 27-year-old journeyman who signed a one-year veteran minimum contract this summer after playing for multiple franchises in recent seasons, expressed confidence in his versatility. He noted that while recent stops required him to play primarily as a backup center, he can also stretch the floor with three-point shooting and make quick decisions out of the pick-and-roll.

Who are the primary candidates for the final rotation spots?

As training camp progresses, David Adelman faces the challenge of trimming his rotation to ten players. DeMar DeRozan, Spencer Jones, and Marvin Bagley III appear secure in bench roles, leaving Tyus Jones, Julian Strawther, and Alpha Diallo to compete for the remaining reserve minutes.

Diallo showcased that defensive utility in Salt Lake City by guarding taller opponents like Jaren Jackson Jr. while chipping in eight points with two corner three-pointers. Meanwhile, two-way contract players Cam Whitmore and Ryan Nembhard continue to push for opportunities following Nembhard’s late training camp acquisition.

The former Wolves point guard regularly located his center, and Marvin Bagley III finished with 10 points along with a team-high +15 differential. Such versatility could allow the Nuggets to mix up defensive switching schemes and give Nikola Jokic more rest on certain sequences.

And if that doesn’t work, Adelman said, we slow the hell down and get DeMar DeRozan the ball. Aaron Gordon finished as Denver’s top scorer with 18 points, and Cameron Johnson contributed 10 points.

What is the schedule for the Denver Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets continue their preseason preparations ahead of the upcoming NBA regular season, with training camp practices and exhibition games dictating final roster cuts and rotation decisions.

More on this story: Denver Nuggets Face Utah Jazz in NBA Preseason Opener · Nikola Jokic Delivers Notable Assist in Preseason Loss to Jazz