The Denver Nuggets have started the season slowly with a 2-2 record, and now, they will be without one of their 15 players on the full-time roster for at least a short while.
Earlier today, the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver Nuggets G-League affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced that point guard Jalen Pickett has been assigned to the G-League roster.
🚨 GOLD ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Jalen Pickett has been assigned to the Gold. pic.twitter.com/xZfUJbIyMa
— Grand Rapids Gold (@NBAGrandRapids) October 31, 2024
With Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook on the roster this year, it’s unlikely Pickett will see a serious opportunity for NBA minutes this year as well. In addition, two-way rookie guard Trey Alexander has shown interesting flashes of talent and versatility that the Nuggets may need this season. Pickett is more traditional and careful than Alexander, but with physical limitations and lesser scoring instincts, Pickett may have already been passed in the Nuggets rotation.
Perhaps the G-League is the best place for Pickett for the time being. He can handle the ball, develop his skill set as an on-ball guard, and gain some comfortability in a role the Nuggets may need in the future. It’s clear his opportunity with the Nuggets is in jeopardy after a poor summer league and preseason from the second year guard. Perhaps an ignition of confidence in the G-League is exactly what he needs.
The Nuggets play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night to wrap up a three-game road trip. Alexander will be available as Denver’s emergency third point guard if needed.