The Nuggets return their top five scorers from last season, but it’s their bench unit that has a distinctly different feel to it heading into Wednesday’s season opener at the Los Angeles Clippers.
Gone are veterans Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, Devin Harris, Darrell Arthur and Richard Jefferson, which has created more playing time for versatile forward Trey Lyles, backup big Mason Plumlee, Monte Morris, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez and Torrey Craig.
There’s no question that depth is a huge strength, but whether coach Mike Malone settles on a shorter bench as Will Barton slides into a starting role remains to be seen.