It may only be preseason, but the Denver Nuggets already look like a legitimate contender with a new-look second unit that's achieved the essential goal of fielding proven NBA players. After two years of over-reliance on the starting lineup, Denver has finally built a bench worth believing in.
With a starting five that's already made a habit out of producing 50-win seasons, the Nuggets can truly operate with the mentality of a championship hopeful after shoring up the second unit.
Denver is coming off of a season in which it went 50-32 and went to Game 7 during the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.