The Denver Nuggets are moving closer to one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history.
Let’s continue our three-week series in advance of Media Day on September 29th. With 14 players on the roster and a new mix of players to discuss, it’s important to remember who the Nuggets have, who they don’t have, and what to expect heading into October.
Up next, a check-in on Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is the first new roster addition that I’ve discussed in this series so far. In order, Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett, Zeke Nnaji, DaRon Holmes, and Julian Strawther have all been on the roster before.
Earlier in the offseason, I penned some extended thoughts on Hardaway that I will share here, so this article will serve as more of a reminder on his placement and importance within the Nuggets rotation.
Coming off of a season starting all 77 games he played for the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25, Hardaway is expected to revert to a bench role in 2025-26. In fact, I have him as Denver’s ninth man, battling for time with 10th man Julian Strawther in Denver’s “bench gunner” spot. The Nuggets starting lineup is locked in, and I expect Denver to prioritize defense (Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson) and backup center contributions (Jonas Valanciunas) over Hardaway.
Still, that doesn’t mean the role won’t be important. After Russell Westbrook led the bench group in Usage last year by a significant margin, there’s a void in scoring and playmaking that Hardaway might solidify. Bruce Brown is more of an off-ball point guard than an on-ball creator. Jonas Valanciunas has maintained an above average usage rate for the last eight seasons, so he will be expected to shoulder some of that offensive burden.
And yet, Hardaway gives the Nuggets an option that can create quick offense on his own. One pass away? Hardaway is liable to fire if given any breathing room. Late in the shot clock? Hardaway is willing and able to get a contested shot up. Running in transition? Watch Hardaway for a wing three-pointer. After carrying a Usage rate comparable to Valanciunas for eight straight years, Hardaway took a step back last year as a starter next to Cade Cunningham who had one of the highest Usages in the league. It doesn’t mean that Hardaway wasn’t capable of more, just that he filled a different role as the complementary starter rather than the bench gunner.
Now, the Nuggets man need that role, at least on occasion. Their main formula will emphasize Nikola Jokic and the starter minutes, but don’t be surprised if Hardaway carves out a significant role if the Nuggets look to outscore everybody. Denver will stagger Jamal Murray and/or Cam Johnson, which should free up players like Hardaway even more with primary defenders focused on other starters in those lineups.
The concern, as it often is, is the defense. Hardaway was fine in the regular season last year as one of the weak links in Detroit’s starting unit. His defense became more of an issue against the New York Knicks in the playoffs with Jalen Brunson attacking him in isolation and pick and roll frequently. He will be a target in Denver’s rotation, and the Nuggets will have to help behind him if they want to take advantage of Hardaway’s offensive abilities.
But because of Hardaway’s shooting ability and a likely strong DHO connection with Jokic, I would expect the Nuggets to live with the defensive limitations, especially early. There’s a chance the Nuggets have the best offense in the NBA this year, and Hardaway’s ability to tilt a game in Denver’s favor would, in theory, be a big reason why. Hardaway made five three-pointers in a game nine times last season. The Pistons went 7-2 in those games, the only losses being to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.
If Hardaway can change games with his scoring threat, the Nuggets will continue to play him. If he struggles to affect results, the Nuggets might go with more defensive or younger lineups instead. Whatever the case, it’s an option the Nuggets didn’t have last season, one I’m looking forward to them deploying strategically.