Nugget at Risk of Losing a Starting Spot in 2025-26 Training Camp…

The Denver Nuggets head into the 2025-26 season still chasing their first title defense. After a 50-32 finish and a second-round exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the franchise made a bold midseason coaching change, replacing Mike Malone with David Adelman. Now, with Nikola Jokic in his prime and Jamal Murray back in the fold, Adelman must fine-tune the supporting cast and decide which role players will stick in the starting five.

---

Projected Depth Chart

• Point Guard: Jamal Murray – Jalen Pickett
• Shooting Guard: Christian Braun – Tim Hardaway Jr. / Julian Strawther
• Small Forward: Cameron Johnson – Bruce Brown
• Power Forward: Aaron Gordon – Peyton Watson
• Center: Nikola Jokic – Jonas Valanciunas

Hardly any debate surrounds Jokic or Murray; they remain untouchable as the Nuggets’ anchors. The real intrigue lies in the wing and bench spots, where Adelman could shake up the rotation before the season opener.

---

Small Forward and Power Forward

Cameron Johnson projects to start at small forward, offering elite floor spacing at 39.2% from three. In small-ball lineups, Bruce Brown could slide to the three while Johnson shifts to the four alongside Gordon and Jokic. Aaron Gordon should reclaim his starting power-forward role, bringing thunderous rebounding and paint-presence. Peyton Watson, while promising, still needs seasoning before challenging Gordon’s intensity and experience.

---

The Volatile Shooting Guard Spot

Christian Braun enters his second consecutive year as the starting shooting guard after emerging as a key contributor during Denver’s 2023 title run. His hustle and defensive acumen give him an edge over newcomers. Tim Hardaway Jr. arrives off a starting stint in Detroit and could leverage Adelman’s system to carve out significant minutes. Third-year sharpshooter Julian Strawther, who shot 34.9% from deep last season, also makes a strong case if he heats up early. Ultimately, Braun holds the advantage, but the door remains open for Hardaway Jr. or Strawther to seize the job with a hot training camp.

---

Outlook

Keeping this roster healthy will be paramount if Denver wants to compete in a stacked Western Conference. While Jokic and Murray represent the championship core, the Nuggets’ ceiling depends on how quickly Adelman identifies the right mix around them. Expect intense competition for those perimeter slots as training camp unfolds.