DeMar DeRozan Could Start for Nuggets–– And Who Could Be Benched

The Denver Nuggets' biggest signing of the offseason has finally come to fruition: DeMar DeRozan was brought in on a one-year, veteran minimum to bring in a spark of scoring, clutch shooting, and experience to a roster that was desperately needing a jolt of talent after this summer's moves.

And following the Nuggets' move to sign DeRozan, most speculation has centered around the idea of adding the veteran to come off the bench.

Which on the surface makes sense. Denver lost several bench pieces throughout the offseason like Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. among others, and someone like DeRozan can bring that necessary depth and scoring edge that isn't otherwise present.

But it might not be a surefire guarantee that DeRozan isn't one of the five names called in the Nuggets' starting lineup on opening night, which in turn would slightly shift Denver's starting group from the way they ended last season.

Why DeMar DeRozan Could Start for Nuggets

The simple logic for DeRozan starting the season with Denver is past precedent. Because throughout the 17-year veteran's time in the NBA, he hasn't been one to come off the bench.

The last time DeRozan came off the bench in an NBA game came during his rookie season in 2009-10. He was a starter in all but 12 games throughout the year, and hasn't been benched for a game since.

And throughout that time as a starter, DeRozan has certainly held up his end of the bargain. He's averaged over 16 points per game in every season since his rookie year, has over 26,000 career points with over 40,000 minutes played. He's also played in 60 games or more in every season of his career.

Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy (right) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DeRozan's been a consistent, available scorer no matter where he's been throughout his time in the league, and even on a veteran minimum deal, showed last season with the Sacramento Kings that he's certainly a starting-caliber player. He averaged 18.4 points on 49.7% shooting from the field in 31 minutes a night.

So maybe the Nuggets do see him as a starting-level player in their own lineup, and thus can create an offensive-centric trio of DeRozan, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray within the first five names out on the floor, as well as a three-man group that can close games as well.

Who Denver Would Bench in Favor of DeRozan

If Denver were to start DeRozan, it inevitably raises the question of who would be benched in the Nuggets' current lineup. And there are really only two choices: Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun. Neither of Denver's All-Stars is moving anywhere, and neither is Aaron Gordon.

So the Nuggets would have to question whether they value Johnson's shooting ability and lineup versatility to mesh on the wing, or if they want the guard presence of Braun to round out the backcourt next to Murray.

There are benefits to both sides. You know a player like Johnson would mesh with DeRozan's playstyle, and Braun could fill out the guard void in the second unit. However, Braun would begin his $125 million extension as a member of the second unit and leave the starting five lacking in guards.

Oct 12, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Christian Braun (0) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third period at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the other hand, Braun in the starting five makes the Nuggets' starting unit look a bit more natural, but then leaves Denver with floor spacing questions when meshing Braun next to DeRozan.

So adding DeRozan leaves coach David Adelman with some big questions leading up to opening night. Which two of DeRozan, Braun, and Johnson will be called up within the starting lineup?

Odds are, DeRozan still feels like the most likely to fill that sixth man role. But the Nuggets could always get creative in their efforts to ensure this roster finishes with a better outcome than they did last season.

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