Biggest Flaw in the Nuggets Roster They Can't Afford to Ignore

The Denver Nuggets need to finish their offseason by addressing this dire roster need.

Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Denver Nuggets' 2026 offseason continues to be held up by restricted free agent Peyton Watson, and with the current roster still in concerning shape, they need to make sure they resolve this sooner rather than later.

Of course, simply re-signing Watson would be a huge help for the Nuggets, but it would not fix the biggest flaw in their current roster. If the Nuggets go into the 2026-27 season without addressing their immediate guard depth, then they will be in trouble.

Nuggets' current guard room

Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Christian Braun (0) celebrate after a basket and foul during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Nuggets' latest addition somewhat helps their cause, as they signed Lonnie Walker IV to a training camp deal, giving the 27-year-old guard a chance to complete his NBA comeback after spending time overseas. However, they still have a significant hole at the point guard position that neither Walker IV nor Watson would fill.

The Nuggets' current guard depth chart:

PG	SG
Jamal Murray	Christian Braun
Tyus Jones	Julian Strawther
KJ Simpson (two-way)	Lonnie Walker IV *

Sure, the Nuggets do not have to worry about their starting duo of Murray and Braun, but do they really want to lean on Jones and Strawther to lead their second unit? Probably not. Last season, they had Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. dominating their guard minutes off the bench, and while that duo still had their own problems, this current look still falls short of that.

Nuggets must add another point guard

Mar 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Tyus Jones (5) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jones, 30, can be a productive backup point guard. He handles pressure, sets up his teammates, and does not turn the ball over. However, the Nuggets should not want him to be their only point guard option behind Murray.

The Nuggets need another ball-handler on the bench, besides two-way guard KJ Simpson, who is largely unproven with plenty of question marks. Whether they get another guard through a sign-and-trade for Watson or sign one in free agency, the Nuggets need to fill this void.

As it stands, the Nuggets do not have to worry nearly as much about their other positions. The frontcourt might have a couple of guys who still need to prove themselves, like DaRon Holmes and Trevon Brazile, but they have depth there. At forward, they have Spencer Jones, Alpha Diallo, and potentially Peyton Watson.

Nuggets offseason so far:

In:
Marvin Bagley
Alpha Diallo
Lonnie Walker
Trevon Brazile
Bryce Hopkins

Out:
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Jonas Valanciunas
Jalen Pickett
David Roddy

Retained:
Spencer Jones
Tyus Jones

Peyton Watson is still a restricted free agent. pic.twitter.com/1ZJCqjZOLD

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) August 6, 2026

The Nuggets are left with just one clear weakness, and that is at the guard position. They still have just 13 players under standard contracts, with one spot reserved for Watson and the final spot, right now, saved for Walker IV.

However, the Nuggets need to at least give Walker IV some competition for the final spot. Bring in Cameron Thomas, Gabe Vincent, Aaron Holiday, Brandon Williams, or Ben Simmons to at least compete for the final roster spot in hopes of finding an improved backup point guard.

The Nuggets are running out of time and roster spots to fix their biggest flaw, and it is one that desperately needs to be addressed at some point. Denver cannot go into the new season with this current backcourt.

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