The Denver Nuggets struck gold in the draft last summer, acquiring three highly regarded prospects in the first round. But with so much depth on this team, only Jamal Murray is seeing consistent minutes, leaving questions surrounding Juancho Hernangomez and Malik Beasley‘s development.
The Nuggets have already shown once this season that they are not shy about using the D-League to help keep rookies in form. Beasley was sent to the D-League just a short while ago and has since been recalled; however, that does not slam the door on him returning to the developmental league at some point this season, and the same goes for Hernangomez.
“I think for him (Malik), and possibly Juancho at some point, [we will be] using the D-League as a tool in aiding their development,” Malone said at practice on Friday. “I don’t want them just practicing everyday (at the NBA level) and getting player development work. I want them to go play — play games, play against some young, hungry D-League players — because I think they can really benefit from that.”
So, don’t be surprised if you see these two guys bounce between the Nuggets and the D-League throughout the season.
The in-game exposure is something coach Malone wants his rooks to see more of before they are granted more playing time at the NBA level.