DENVER — The Denver Nuggets already have a DeMar DeRozan problem before their newest star even steps onto the floor in Denver. The Nuggets signing six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract looks like a solid move on paper. Landing an 18-point-per-game scorer to replace Peyton Watson’s lost offensive production provides some firepower for a top-heavy core. However, the reality of integrating his skill set alongside Nikola Jokic creates an immediate tactical nightmare for head coach David Adelman.
The Historical Dilemma of a Career Starter
To maximize what DeRozan brings to the table, Denver logically needs him to anchor their stagnant second unit. The issue? DeRozan has started 1,252 of his 1,264 career NBA games. Outside of his 2009-10 rookie season in Toronto where he came off the bench 12 times, he has been an unquestioned, high-usage starter for 17 consecutive years.
Asking a future Hall of Fame scorer to suddenly accept a reserve role late in his career is a delicate locker room dance. Yet, forcing him into the starting five next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray compromises Denver’s spacing and defensive identity.
Clunky Spacing and Mediocre Defense Alongside Nikola Jokic
In the today’s NBA, surrounding Nikola Jokic with elite, high-volume perimeter shooters is non-negotiable. The three-time MVP thrives when the floor is spaced, giving him room to manipulate double teams and operate in the high post. DeRozan represents the exact opposite of that spatial necessity.
While DeRozan remains one of the most lethal mid-range creators in the league, his complete lack of three-point gravity clogs crucial driving and passing lanes. Opposing defenses will happily sag off him on the perimeter, doubling Jokic inside and neutralizing Denver’s flow. Running a starting lineup featuring DeRozan will also give up as many points as it puts up. With teams getting bigger and loading up on versatile wing defenders, the Nuggets are noticeably lacking in that area. Who plays consistent point-of-attack defense in a lineup featuring Murray, DeRozan, Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Cameron Johnson?
Why Bench Reliance Is the Only Logical Solution
The reason the Nuggets already have a DeMar DeRozan problem stems from how Denver’s offense degrades when its superstar sits. Historically, whenever Nikola Jokic rests, Denver’s offensive rating plummets. Using DeRozan as an isolated engine for the second unit allows him to dominate the ball, hunt his signature mid-range jumpers, and carry the bench scoring load without disrupting the starting lineup’s chemistry.
Unless David Adelman convinces the veteran to embrace a sixth-man role, inserting him into the starting unit creates a spacing and defensive disaster. Ultimately, the Nuggets already have a DeMar DeRozan problem that can only be solved if the 17-year starter agrees to sacrifice his historic streak for the good of the team.
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