Nuggets Add DeMar DeRozan To Strengthen Bench

The Denver Nuggets are reshaping their second unit by adding DeMar DeRozan as a veteran scorer to replace lost bench production, with the move designed to support a roster built around Nikola Jokic and the returning starting lineup.

According to Yahoo Sports, Denver will keep its starting five of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson together for a second straight season. The group helped the Nuggets finish third in the Western Conference during the regular season.

The team’s bench has changed significantly after Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. left the roster. Yahoo Sports reported that DeRozan was signed to help recover the scoring that departed with those players.

DeRozan averaged 18.4 points while shooting 49.7% from the field with the Sacramento Kings last season, along with 4.1 assists, according to Yahoo Sports. His role is expected to focus on creating offense, attacking the rim, and producing points without relying heavily on outside shooting.

Denver is also counting on contributions from other reserve players after the offseason changes. Yahoo Sports reported that Marvin Bagley II was added as a backup center, while Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones are expected to take larger roles.

DeRozan’s addition gives the Nuggets another experienced offensive option as the team attempts to replace production from previous bench contributors. Yahoo Sports noted that he can create shots for himself and others while providing a different style from the players he replaces.

The Nuggets are entering the season with the same core starters but a reworked reserve group that includes DeRozan, Bagley II, Strawther, and Jones as key pieces.