How the Nuggets' Bench Unit Would Look Without Peyton Watson

The Denver Nuggets are still without a verdict in their ongoing Peyton Watson dilemma, which has been persisting for over the past month without a resolution on what the contractual future looks like for their 23-year-old restructured free agent.

And as time continues to pass, there's an increasing possibility that Watson isn't on the Nuggets' roster next year. In all likelihood, Denver would have to be incentivized via sign-and-trade to move on from him, but if the right deal were to come across the front office's desk, they may consider it.

But if the Nuggets' bench was left without Watson, or in this case, the state it's currently at, what would things look like, and would it be enough for Denver to survive in the Western Conference?

Let's break down the Nuggets' current state of their second unit, and what it looks like without Watson, and before any sign-and-trades involving him take place.

PG: Tyus Jones

Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Tyus Jones warms up before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Nuggets brought back Tyus Jones to their roster in free agency this summer after adding him late into last season, and he now looks to be their primary backup point guard off the bench, considering Denver didn't bring much more firepower onto their bench outside of him.

This, of course, wouldn't change much if Watson were back on the roster. If the Nuggets were to take interest in a sign-and-trade, maybe bringing a guard into that returning package would make sense. But regardless, with two open roster spots before the season, Denver needs to consider adding to their backcourt with one of them.

SG: Alpha Diallo

Feb 29, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Providence Friars guard Alpha Diallo (11) reacts after a defensive stop against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

A big-time name in the EuroLeague, Alpha Diallo took a gamble on making the jump to the NBA this season by signing a one-year, $1.4 million deal in Denver, and now joins the roster as a 29-year-old rookie and one of the lowest-paid players on the Nuggets.

Such a low minimum deal, combined with the fact that Diallo passed on more money overseas, tells you he's due for considerable minutes in the second unit. And if he's providing a strong set of defensive skills, he'll be a worthwhile pickup. Based on his lack of time in the States recently, though, what he might be at the next level is a big question mark.

SF: Julian Strawther

Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The door of opportunity has been busted wide open for Julian Strawther next season, who might now be eyeing a significant offensive role in the second unit following Tim Hardaway Jr.'s departure to the Miami Heat. If Peyton Watson is somehow out of the mix, Strawther's role gets even larger.

He's probably the player with the highest scoring upside within this bench unit, is entering his fourth season of experience in Denver, is in a contract year, and could be in for the most minutes he's ever seen in his career? If there were ever to be a breakout season for Strawther, now would be the time to keep an eye on that.

PF: Spencer Jones

Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After the Nuggets decided to bring back Spencer Jones onto the roster by matching the OKC Thunder's two-year offer sheet, he now projects to slot back into the same role that he was in last year as a backup forward who can contribute on both ends, and in a pinch, can be worth starter-level minutes.

Denver finds themselves in a bit more of a troublesome spot financially now that Jones is back onboard, but he was a priority to bring back onto the roster at the cost he was due. He'll be one of the most impactful players in the Nuggets' second unit, especially on the defensive end..

C: Marvin Bagley/DaRon Holmes

Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III (35) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This one's probably the most "up-in-the-air" spot in the Nuggets' rotation leading up to next season: who will be in line to land the most minutes as Denver's backup center? That's a situation that can already be tough as is with someone like Nikola Jokic leading the roster, but it's a role that's newly up for grabs since Jonas Valanciunas was waived.

The Nuggets have two likely options to pick from. They can roll with their young option they've been developing and rehabilitating in DaRon Holmes, who's shown flashes of being an athletic, contributing player on both ends. Or, Marvin Bagley could claim that role, who's more experienced and a further polished player offensively. That's a choice for David Adelman to decide.

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