The Denver Nuggets' second unit has looked really good in the preseason. They've got a slew of players who can hold their own, and they've made it look like the non-Nikola Jokic minutes could actually be weatherable this year while playing some good defense. And that was without Spencer Jones, who's expected to be back for the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his presence should boost the bench defense even more.
Jones has been out for the entire preseason after suffering a hamstring injury in the opening days of training camp. But that's now fading into the rearview mirror, and his 3-and-D style and physicality will be welcomed back with open arms. However, his return is going to make head coach David Adelman's decision on who to squeeze from the rotation even more difficult as well. Nuggets rookie Trevon Brazile has looked great at the backup four and deserves consideration for minutes, but Jones earned his rotation spot with his performances last season.
Defense has been one of the bright spots of the second unit in the preseason. Marvin Bagley III has been a breath of fresh air as the backup center, with more mobility and athleticism than the Nuggets have had in years at the critical position. Alpha Diallo has been a shining star during the preseason, leading the team in steals and showing everyone what a "menace" on defense looks like.
Then you add Jones to the fire, and the Nuggets' defense on the second unit could be cooking. Who would have thought fans could say that going into the season? Jones isn't going to wow anyone, but that's not his style. He gets the job done with quick feet and moves well side to side, and he's not afraid to be physical in the front court against larger opponents. He won't be a rim protector, but he blocked 0.8 shots per game last year while also snagging 0.8 steals.
Even though he's got one of the more funky releases you'll see, Jones is a good, consistent three-point shooter. He finished last season with a 39.6% mark from downtown, and he showed against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs that you can't leave him open, going 9-for-13 for 69.2%. That's going to create space for DeMar DeRozan to go to work in the mid-range without facing extra traffic.
The only concern is getting Jones up to speed during game conditions while trying to learn how to play with the other members of the new-look second unit. But once he's up to speed, Jones should be ready to roll as the backup four behind Aaron Gordon.
This article was originally published on www.nugglove.com as Nuggets' surprising bench defense has another boost coming with Spencer Jones .
