Overview

• Jonas Valanciunas officially committed to Denver after considering a European return and reported positive talks with Nikola Jokic to secure the backup-center role.
• The frontcourt makeover this summer included trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to bolster defense and bench scoring.
• The Nuggets enter the season with an open roster spot at backup point guard, raising concerns about adequate ball handling and playmaking behind Jamal Murray.
• Denver passed on pursuing Chris Paul in free agency and is evaluating veteran options such as Malcolm Brogdon to fill its final backcourt vacancy.
• As a contingency plan for long-term center depth, Denver has been linked to Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic in the buyout market.