Nuggets Continue to Complicate Things for Developing Guard — It’s Just Not Fair
We’re still in the early days of a new era for the Denver Nuggets, following the departures of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth. So far, the team has shown positive signs, with a fresh energy and cohesion on the court that has started to translate into results.
Following those high-profile firings, the Nuggets ended the regular season on a three-game win streak and kicked off the playoffs strong with a win in game one. They stumbled in game two, marking interim head coach David Adelman’s first loss.
While it’s too early to draw big conclusions from such a small sample size, there have been noticeable tweaks in the Nuggets’ game plan and rotation. At the center of it all is third-year guard Jalen Pickett—a symbol of the tension between Malone’s approach and Booth’s vision.
Pickett’s Role Still Unclear Under New Leadership
Pickett, one of Booth’s draft picks, often found himself sidelined by Malone, who favored veterans like Russell Westbrook, even in late-game situations. That ongoing preference reportedly contributed to Malone’s dismissal.
In Adelman’s debut, Pickett shined with 18 points in 31 minutes, including key minutes down the stretch. After the game, Adelman downplayed any shift in philosophy, saying it was simply the right move for that game.
That proved true in game two, where Pickett was barely used—just nine minutes of playing time. Across the two playoff games so far, Pickett has seen limited action: four minutes in game one and seven in game two, both times playing only in the first half. He has yet to make a significant impact and hasn’t earned enough trust to see minutes in the second half.
Stuck in the Middle of a Franchise Shakeup
Beyond the court, Pickett has been caught in the narrative surrounding the team’s leadership shakeup. His name has been linked to internal conflicts, despite his limited experience. When asked about it, he remained composed, telling The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, “To be mentioned in these things, it’s kinda crazy, but growing up, you always want to be on this stage. So you gotta just accept everything that comes with it, at this point.”
It’s a tough spot for a young player trying to establish himself. He’s not only fighting for minutes but also carrying the burden of front-office drama he had no part in creating. It’s not fair, and he doesn’t deserve this kind of scrutiny.
Despite the rocky season, there’s still hope that Pickett can reset and return next year with a clearer role and a real chance to contribute. The Nuggets may not need him heavily right now, but that moment could come sooner than expected.
