27 Jamal Murray
Ezra Shaw, Getty ImagesJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass around Alen Smailagic (6) of the Golden State Warrior during their NBA preseason game at Chase Center on Dec. 12, 2020 in San Francisco, Calif..

G | 23 | 6-foot-4 | 215 

The Nuggets’ fifth-year guard had his breakout moment last postseason. His epic series against Donovan Mitchell in Denver’s first 3-1 comeback felt more like a heavyweight bout between two ascending stars than a playoff clash among division rivals. His playmaking and his defense, not to mention his preposterous scoring, had never been higher. Murray’s play was so captivating the first question on everyone’s mind became: Can he repeat it across a regular season? As Murray eyes his first-ever all-star appearance, we’re about to find out.

14 Gary Harris
Michael Reaves, Getty ImagesGary Harris of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on Sept. 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

G | 26 | 6-foot-4 | 205

Harris’ starting job, which he’s held for five years, was in jeopardy heading into camp. Though it appears he’s still in line to be the team’s starting two guard, having started there all three preseason games, coach Michael Malone cast doubt when he said only Murray and Nikola Jokic had solidified starting spots. Harris returned late in Denver’s first-round comeback against Utah, but he played a vital role in overcoming both 3-1 playoff deficits. If the offseason allowed Harris to re-gain his health and re-store his confidence, he’ll once again be a staple in the backcourt. If not, Harris could be facing an uncertain future.

1 Michael Porter Jr.
Ezra Shaw, Getty ImagesStephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets during their NBA preseason game at Chase Center on Dec. 12, 2020 in San Francisco, Calif.

F | 22 | 6-foot-10 | 218

Porter endured a bumpy ride across an unprecedented season, experiencing more highs and lows than a typical rookie. But the elevated role in the postseason raised his confidence, and more importantly, earned him some trust with his coach. Having flashed his tantalizing potential in Orlando, Porter’s in line for a significant jump in responsibility. Some of that is due to the departures of Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig; most of it is because the Nuggets have a lethal stretch-forward on their roster who needs some runway. If he can show commitment on the defensive end, that will only endear him to Malone even more.

4 Paul Millsap
Douglas P. DeFelice, Getty ImagesPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on Sept. 5, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

F | 35 | 6-foot-7 | 257

The veteran power forward conceded he wasn’t himself in the “Bubble.” Millsap’s not special in that regard. A lot of players dealt with various obstacles in the strange, secluded Orlando environment. Still, the Nuggets were adamant about him returning, this time on a more team-friendly one-year, $10 million deal. At age 35, Millsap’s taking a different approach to this season. Rather than set any goals, he said he’ll take the season as it comes. He also said he doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench. That’s a healthy approach for a player trying to win his first championship.

15 Nikola Jokic
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets warms up his hands against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. The Los Angeles Lakers (3-1) versus the Denver Nuggets (1-3) in game five of their best-of-seven-NBA playoff series.

C | 25 | 7-feet | 284

There was concern that the quick offseason might have a negative effect on Jokic, who was the linchpin of Denver’s sterling run through the “Bubble.” Back with the team for several weeks, Jokic has been the epitome of a franchise cornerstone. From attitude to work ethic, teammates and coaches have raved about Jokic throughout camp. He’s in phenomenal shape (perhaps owing to the short offseason), and his preseason play has been encouraging. Jokic isn’t getting much attention as an MVP candidate, but he should be on this season’s shortlist.

5 Will Barton
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets runs back to play defense against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter on Monday, March 9, 2020.

G | 29 | 6-foot-5 | 181

The Nuggets’ playmaking small forward was one of the dominant story lines throughout training camp. With so little known about the knee injury that caused him to leave the “Bubble,” it wasn’t clear how healthy he was, nor was it clear how much he’d be able to contribute. On the eve of the regular season, answers to those questions are only slightly more tangible. There are members of the Nuggets’ organization who believe with a healthy Barton, Denver would’ve beat the Lakers in the Western Conference finals. But Barton’s only played in two preseason games in nine months. Even if he doesn’t re-claim his starting spot immediately, there’s still plenty of time for that to happen as the season progresses.

11 Monte Morris
Douglas P. DeFelice, Getty ImagesMonte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball against Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers during the second quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on Sept. 3, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

G | 25 | 6-foot-2 | 183

Few players are as beloved within the organization as Morris, who recently signed a 3-year, $27 million extension. The Nuggets value his approach, his on-court production, his seamless chemistry in the locker room and his story. The former 51st overall draft pick is living proof of Denver’s eye for talent and their dedication to player development. But they didn’t pay Morris just to keep the locker room happy. Morris has a loaded second unit he’ll need to direct. Whether that’s playing alongside Facundo Campazzo or PJ Dozier in the backcourt, MPJ or Barton on the wing, Morris will be tasked with spearheading a group that’s littered with potential starters.

0 JaMychal Green
Douglas P. DeFelice, Getty ImagesJaMychal Green (4) of the LA Clippers drives the ball against Torrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on Sept. 5, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

F | 30 | 6-foot-8 | 227

The Nuggets have had their eye on Green for several years, and after Denver defeated the Clippers in last season’s playoffs, the time was finally right. In the wake of Jerami Grant’s stunning departure, the Nuggets acted swiftly to secure Green and shore up their frontcourt. Green’s a tough, physical power forward – more in the mold of Paul Millsap than Grant. He’s also an underrated 3-point shooter. Like most guys on the Nuggets, Green doesn’t have much of an ego and has said he doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench. All he cares about is contributing. Green’s blue-collar approach will fit well for a team that lost several key defenders.

35 PJ Dozier
Matthew Stockman, Getty ImagesPJ Dozier (35) of the Denver Nuggets is fouled going to the basket by Joe Ingles (2) of the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center on Jan. 30, 2020 in Denver.

G | 24 | 6-foot-6 | 205

The versatile combo-guard earned immense trust from Malone when he stepped in during the playoffs and admirably checked whoever he was assigned. His size allows him to guard on the perimeter, while his speed and anticipation give him the ability to navigate craftier guards. The most obvious replacement for defensive specialist Torrey Craig is Dozier. However, that would be selling his offensive game short. Dozier can play anywhere from the 1-3, though he’s probably most disruptive on the wing rather than as a lead ball-handler. If he can shoot consistently from outside, Malone’s going to have a hard time not playing him.

25 Isaiah Hartenstein
Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesIsaiah Hartenstein (55) of the Houston Rockets drives the ball around Derrick Favors (22) of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Dec. 29, 2019 in New Orleans.

C | 22 | 7-feet | 249 

Part of the Nuggets’ ethos is to search for value where others might not necessarily look. Hartenstein spent last season toiling away in Houston amid the Rockets’ small-ball experiment. Even in limited minutes, he was still productive. And at just 22 years old, the Nuggets saw significant room for growth, in addition to a hard-nosed player who simply needed a chance. Early returns suggest Hartenstein may be able to fully replace former backup center Mason Plumlee. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the chemistry with backup point guard Monte Morris, a former G League teammate, is already there.

7 Facundo Campazzo
Jeff Chiu, The Associated PressDenver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo (7) against the Golden State Warriors during a preseason NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.

G | 29 | 5-foot-11 | 165

The Nuggets had been tracking Campazzo since at least 2013. They took notice of his energy and passion. After seeing him cut up the EuroLeague, World Cup and Olympics, they were convinced he could play in the NBA, though he’s just 5-foot-11. His selfless, playmaking instincts mesh seamlessly with a team built around a pass-first center, and he plays bigger than he is on the defensive end. More important, Campazzo has won everywhere he’s been. Odds are the feisty guard forces his way onto Denver’s second unit.

10 Bol Bol
Ashley Landis, Pool, The Associated PressDenver Nuggets’ Bol Bol (10) is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma (0) and Anthony Davis (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

C | 21 | 7-foot-2 | 209

Is he a three, a stretch four or a thin five? It’s tough to pin down what exactly Bol is, yet those who’ve seen him in practices say he’s made marked strides from limited playing time last season. Bol was a mainstay in the gym this summer, moreso than almost anyone on the team. His wing skills make him a matchup nightmare on offense, however he’s still too skinny to hold his own physically in the frontcourt. Expect Malone to find spot minutes for him where he can continue his development. When the Nuggets converted him from a two-way to a standard NBA contract, it was evidence of how impressed Denver’s front office was with his offseason work.

22 Zeke Nnaji
Jennifer Stewart, Getty ImagesZeke Nnaji (22) of the Arizona Wildcats boxes out Kimani Lawrence (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at McKale Center on Jan. 04, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. The Arizona Wildcats won 75-47.

F | 19 | 6-foot-11 | 240

The Nuggets’ first first-round pick this year looks like he could be yet another steal. In just one year at Arizona, the Nuggets saw enough in him to believe he can become a plus-defender at multiple positions in addition to a floor-spacing big man. In limited minutes this preseason, Nnaji has shown a smooth, consistent shooting stroke that could stretch beyond the 3-point line. And though Malone doesn’t generally hand out minutes to rookies, he’s raved about his first impressions of Nnaji.

13 RJ Hampton
Ezra Shaw, Getty ImagesRJ Hampton (13) of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Mychal Mulder (15) of the Golden State Warriors during their NBA preseason game at Chase Center on Dec. 12, 2020 in San Francisco, Calif.

G | 19 | 6-foot-6 | 176

Denver has a track record of drafting talent that, for whatever reason, the rest of the NBA has bypassed. The Nuggets traded back into the first round in this year’s draft to take Hampton — a speedy, combo guard who spent last season playing for the New Zealand Breakers instead of going to college. Hampton has excellent size for a guard. He’ll need to get stronger and more confident in his shot before he’s a regular contributor on the Nuggets. He’s already one of the fastest, most athletic players on the team.

31 Vlatko Cancar
David Zalubowski, The Associated PressDenver Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar (31) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2020. The Nuggets won 133-118.

F | 23 | 6-foot-8 | 236

Cancar is looking up on the depth chart following the handful of frontcourt additions this offseason. While recovering from a broken foot that sidelined him before the playoffs, Cancar made a significant commitment to his body in the weight room. His bulk should help if he’s ever able find significant minutes among the reserve unit.

00 Markus Howard (two-way)
Dylan Buell, Getty ImagesMarkus Howard (0) of the Marquette Golden Eagles dribbles the ball while being guarded by Quincy McKnight (0) of the in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on Feb. 29, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wis.

G | 21 | 5-foot-11 | 180

The Nuggets like to load up on talent and then worry about fit later. Howard, at 5-foot-11, was the NCAA’s leading scorer last season at Marquette. His 3-point shooting numbers were absurd throughout four years in college. The Nuggets have a strong record with two-way players and hope Howard is their latest success story.

3 Greg Whittington (two-way)
Mark Metcalfe, Getty ImagesGreg Whittington of the Kings in action during warm up before the round 18 NBL match between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena on Feb. 4, 2017 in Sydney, Australia.

F | 27 | 6-foot-8 | 212

The stretch forward has played internationally for years and this marks his best chance at sticking in the NBA. At 6-foot-8, he’s got great size and athleticism. Given the relaxed rules on two-way players spending time in the NBA, he might have a chance to impress Denver’s coaching staff.

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