Nuggets Add DeRozan to Strengthen Bench Scoring

The Denver Nuggets added veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan to improve their bench offense for the upcoming season after signing him on October 10, 2026. The move gives Denver another scoring option following the departures of Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr.

According to sports.yahoo.com, the Nuggets will keep their starting lineup of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson intact for a second straight season. That group helped Denver finish third in the Western Conference during the regular season.

DeRozan is expected to replace part of the reserve production lost from last season. According to sports.yahoo.com, he averaged 18.4 points on 49.7% shooting from the field with the Sacramento Kings last season, along with 4.1 assists.

The Nuggets are reshaping their second unit around DeRozan while adding Marvin Bagley II as a backup center. According to sports.yahoo.com, Denver also expects development from Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones as part of the reserve group.

According to sports.yahoo.com, DeRozan is expected to create shots without carrying the entire bench offense by himself. His role differs from the approach Denver used with Russell Westbrook during the 2024-25 season.

Sports.yahoo.com reported that DeRozan does not bring the same turnover concerns and does not depend on three-point attempts in the same way. The report noted that he has averaged more than three three-point attempts per game in only two seasons.

DeRozan's offensive strengths remain driving, drawing fouls, and creating scoring opportunities, according to sports.yahoo.com. Denver is counting on those skills to add stability to its reserve scoring unit.

The Nuggets believe their younger players and Bagley II can contribute alongside the veteran scorer, according to sports.yahoo.com. The team enters the season with its starting lineup maintained and a reworked bench rotation.