The Denver Nuggets’ late-summer decision to add six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan on a cost-effective veteran minimum contract was met with immediate, vocal skepticism.
In the wake of losing 23-year-old defensive wing Peyton Watson in a multi-team sign-and-trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver's most obvious deficiencies appeared to be point-of-attack defense and elite perimeter shooting. Signing a 37-year-old mid-range artisan who has never been defined by his three-point range or perimeter lockdown capability seemed, on the surface, like an ill-fitting pivot.
However, a closer look at Denver’s offensive metrics reveals a clear operational reality: the Nuggets were in desperate need of a self-sufficient shot creator to anchor their secondary units.
The Shot Creation Void: Taking Pressure Off Jokić and Murray
While Denver boasts two of the league’s premier isolation and pick-and-roll orchestrators in three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and point guard Jamal Murray, the roster behind them has historically lacked independent off-the-dribble scorers.
The Nuggets' supporting cast consists primarily of high-IQ off-ball executioners who thrive off Jokić's baseline cuts, handoffs, transition outlets, and catch-and-shoot opportunities. When Murray or Jokić sat, Denver's half-court offense frequently stagnated into tough late-clock attempts.
Denver’s Drive Breakdown (2025–26 Season):
• Jamal Murray: Primary Perimeter Attacker
• Nikola Jokić: High-Post & Elbow Hub
• Peyton Watson: Secondary Baseline Slasher (Now in Cleveland)
During the 2025–26 campaign, Murray was one of only three Nuggets to average at least 4.0 drives per game. The other two were Jokić and Watson. With Watson’s departure, Denver's ability to collapse defense from the perimeter hit an alarmingly low baseline.
While 3-and-D wings command premium salary slots that Denver’s hard-capped apron sheet could not support, DeRozan represents an elite, high-volume shot creator who immediately solves the secondary unit's scoring drought.
DeRozan’s High-Grade Metrics: Efficiency in the Mid-Range and Paint
Despite playing on a poorly spaced Sacramento Kings squad during the 2025–26 season, DeRozan demonstrated that his one-on-one efficiency remains among the league’s elite.
DeMar DeRozan’s 2025–26 Production Profile:
• Overall Production: 18.4 PPG | 4.1 APG | 2.9 RPG (49.7% FG / 31.2 MPG across 77 Games)
• Drive Mechanics: 8.7 Drives per game | 55.7% Shooting on attempts via drives
• Pull-Up Volume: 6.7 Points per game on 45.5% Shooting on pull-up jumpers
• Post-Up Isolation: Ranked 1st among forwards in Post-Up Points Per Possession (1.12 PPP)
Top 5 NBA Forwards in Post-Up Efficiency (PPP):
1. DeMar DeRozan -- 1.12 Points Per Possession
2. John Collins ---- 1.11 Points Per Possession
3. Kawhi Leonard --- 1.10 Points Per Possession
4. Keldon Johnson -- 1.07 Points Per Possession
5. Paolo Banchero -- 1.06 Points Per Possession
In 2025–26, DeRozan ranked in the 96th percentile in one-on-one shot-making and efficiency, per Basketball Index. His 6.7 points per game on pull-up jumpers easily eclipsed every Denver player except Murray (10.2).
Furthermore, DeRozan averaged 4.1 assists per game on a Sacramento team packed with perimeter ball-dominators like Zach LaVine, Dennis Schröder, and Russell Westbrook. In Denver, where he will be surrounded by eight returning rotational players who shot 37.5% or better from three-point range, DeRozan will operate with significantly cleaner driving lanes and baseline spacing.
Playmaking Relief for the Secondary Unit
DeRozan’s value to Denver extends far beyond his scoring gravity. Outside of Jokić and Murray, no Nuggets player averaged more than 2.7 assists per game last season.
By placing DeRozan at the center of second-unit lineups, head coach Michael Malone gains an experienced floor general capable of drawing double-teams in the mid-post, running secondary pick-and-rolls, and setting up spot-up shooters.
The Verdict
While DeRozan’s defensive limitations and low three-point volume will require tactical adjustments from Denver's coaching staff, his addition directly addresses the team's most glaring offensive flaw. At a minimal $3.9 million veteran minimum price point, DeRozan gives the Nuggets an elite, battle-tested isolation engine to keep their offense humming when their stars take a breather.
Related Article: NBA Trade Rumors: Boston comeback for Kyrie is a possibility?
Comments
Post a Comment