Denver Nuggets · 7 notes
"Marvin hasn't played. He's been hurt." David Adelman explained why Marvin Bagley III got an extended fourth-quarter run in Denver's preseason finale. Tyus Jones got one too because "Tyus needed to play more minutes," and Adelman said he was very impressed with that group.
Denver's top six is set, David Adelman said at practice, with Marvin Bagley III and Tyus Jones next in line. Beyond that it's open: Bryce Hopkins and Alpha Diallo have had good moments. Spencer Jones is in the rotation "if he's healthy"; Adelman gave no update on his status.
Spencer Jones has done no contact work and must get through 1-on-1, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 before he's cleared, Nuggets coach David Adelman said: "It looks like he's heading that way." Marvin Bagley III's absence means Denver has seen him with DeMar DeRozan only in scrimmages.
Marvin Bagley III missed Denver's game with discomfort from practice. David Adelman hopes he plays Oct. 12 against the Clippers, and "definitely" against the Lakers. He'll also rest DeMar DeRozan at some point to protect him before the opener against Oklahoma City; no game named.
Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III give the Nuggets a second unit built to play differently from the starters, David Adelman said at practice on Oct. 8: "We haven't had a guy like Tyus in a long time... Marvin's a lob threat."
Adelman sees Marvin Bagley III as "a traditional 5" — a center, not a power forward, for now. Alpha Diallo "has a chance to play" if he guards and cuts well. He's patient with Trevon Brazile but wants "a live athlete" chasing offensive rebounds in preseason.
Nuggets camp: Jamal Murray says Christian Braun is healthy, "noticeably different" from when he was hurt. David Adelman's bench plan: push the pace with Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III, and "if that doesn't work, we slow the hell down and get DeMar DeRozan the ball."