DENVER – The Nuggets sit third in the West with a 22–10 record. They have played without key starters for much of the past month. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić have deservedly earned most of the praise. Spencer Jones also deserves credit for keeping the Nuggets in pole position. Denver now appears ready to reward his emergence.
The Nuggets Are Set To Make Important Spencer Jones Decision
Bench Revamp Fuels Elite Offense
Denver revamped its bench in the offseason after a cost-cutting trade. That decision created an offensive powerhouse. The Nuggets lead the league in scoring at 125.7 points per game. They own a top-three offense by every metric. That dominance initially carried over defensively. Injuries changed that picture. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon went down in mid-November. The defense quickly nose-dived. This roster relies heavily on outscoring opponents. Losing two All-Defense caliber players exposed a team light on defensive specialists.
Spencer Jones Emerges Unexpectedly
Jones, 24, emerged unexpectedly as a defensive specialist. The undrafted swingman had an unremarkable rookie season. Head coach David Adelman inserted Jones into the starting lineup in November. He replaced Braun, which surprised many. Bruce Brown remained available in the rotation. Jones has not looked back since earning the starting role. He has already strung together 17 starts.
Production That Demands Attention
Jones averages six points, nearly three rebounds, one assist, and 1.3 stocks in 20 minutes. Since joining the starting lineup, he averages nearly nine points and four rebounds. He shoots over 54 percent from the field. He also hits 42 percent from three-point range. Jones converts more than 70 percent of his two-point attempts. Those numbers usually belong to elite interior scorers. Jones produces them as a perimeter swingman.
Advanced Metrics Confirm the Impact
Advanced metrics support the raw production. In December, Jones posted the team’s second-highest net rating at 10.1. Only Cameron Johnson ranked higher. His defensive rating ranked third-lowest on the roster. That sample includes players logging at least 13 minutes per game. Jones also regularly guarded the opposing team’s top perimeter threat. His role came with difficulty and responsibility.
Contract Decision Looms
Jones’ role will shrink as the roster gets healthier. He will still remain part of Denver’s plans. He has proven himself as a high-level perimeter defender. The Nuggets badly need those skills. Denver will look to convert Spencer Jones’ contract soon. He has already appeared in 32 games. Two-way players carry a 50-game limit under the CBA. After that, they become ineligible to play. Two-way players also cannot appear in the postseason.
A Tough Roster Choice Ahead
Denver currently carries 15 players on standard contracts. The team must waive one player to convert Jones’ deal. Hunter Tyson appears the most likely candidate. The 25-year-old forward has logged just 49 minutes. Denver drafted him 37th overall in 2023. That selection came under the Calvin Booth regime. The current front office owes him no loyalty. The coaching staff has also shown little trust in him.