Denver Nuggets Build a Strong Roster in 2025 Offseason but Leave One Critical Gap: Backup Point Guard

The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 NBA offseason with one goal: to reinforce their already formidable core and make another deep postseason run. While their front office executed several smart moves to solidify their rotation, one major oversight could prove costly: the lack of a reliable backup point guard. Despite a string of high-profile acquisitions and a bold trade involving Michael Porter Jr., the void behind Jamal Murray remains a pressing concern.

Reinforcing the Core: Smart Offseason Moves

Denver’s offseason strategy was largely applauded by analysts and fans alike. The team made a significant trade, sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for versatile forward Cam Johnson and a draft pick. Johnson, known for his elite perimeter shooting, on-ball defense, and basketball IQ, is expected to complement the starting lineup beautifully.

The Nuggets also bolstered their bench depth:

Bruce Brown returned to Denver after a short stint elsewhere, bringing back the defensive intensity and hustle that helped the Nuggets win the 2023 title.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was brought in to inject scoring off the bench and provide veteran leadership.
Jonas Valanciunas arrived via trade to serve as the most capable backup center Nikola Jokic has had in years.

These moves addressed critical needs—shooting, depth, and frontcourt relief—but they left one position glaringly thin: backup point guard.

The Missed Opportunity: Chris Paul

Among the biggest what-ifs of the offseason was the decision not to pursue veteran point guard Chris Paul, who eventually signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. At 40 years old, Paul may be past his prime, but he remains one of the smartest and most efficient floor generals in the league. His move to the Clippers was driven more by sentimentality than a title chase, reuniting him with former teammates in what is now the oldest roster in NBA history.

“Paul is 40 years old and joins a team with James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Nic Batum, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Brook Lopez, and Bradley Beal, all of whom are well into their 30s,” wrote Bailey Bassett for ClutchPoints.

Yet from a purely competitive standpoint, Denver would have been a far more strategic landing spot.

Why Chris Paul Was a Perfect Fit for Denver

The Nuggets came within striking distance of the Finals in 2025, narrowly losing to the young and explosive Oklahoma City Thunder. Injuries plagued their postseason, but the potential was clearly there.

Pairing Chris Paul with Nikola Jokic, arguably the most cerebral player in basketball today, would have created an unparalleled duo of basketball IQ and unselfish play. Paul’s ability to run a second unit, orchestrate offensive sets, and serve as a mentor would have filled a major void.

He would have been the ideal floor general for a second unit that includes Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Cam Johnson, allowing them to flourish while Murray rested. He also could have offered valuable guidance to developing guards like Jalen Pickett, enhancing the team’s long-term depth.

The Case for Paul in Denver:

Elite decision-making
Natural chemistry with smart, pass-first bigs like Jokic
Playoff-tested leadership
Depth behind Murray
Mentorship role for young guards

The Russell Westbrook Departure

Denver briefly enjoyed the services of Russell Westbrook, who revitalized his career in limited minutes last season. Averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 assists, Westbrook showed improved three-point shooting and maintained his trademark energy. However, he declined his player option and has since been linked with the Sacramento Kings.

His departure further exposed Denver’s vulnerability at point guard. Unlike Paul, Westbrook’s aggressive, fast-paced style didn’t always mesh with Jokic’s methodical game. Still, his experience and leadership will be missed.

What Are the Remaining Options?

With Chris Paul and Westbrook off the table, the list of viable backup point guards has shrunk. However, a few names stand out, particularly Malcolm Brogdon.

Malcolm Brogdon brings consistency, intelligence, and a calming presence to the floor. The 2017 Rookie of the Year has scored in double digits every season of his career and excels in pick-and-roll situations. However, his biggest concern is availability—he played in just 24 games last season and only 39 the year before.

That said, Denver doesn’t need Brogdon to log heavy minutes. With Bruce Brown capable of sliding into a secondary ball-handling role and Jalen Pickett slowly developing, Brogdon could provide high-impact, low-minute contributions.

Pros and Cons of Key Backup PG Options:

Player
Pros
Cons

Chris Paul
High IQ, leadership, Jokic compatibility
Signed with Clippers

Russell Westbrook
Energy, bench scoring, team familiarity
Signed elsewhere, pace mismatch

Malcolm Brogdon
Steady, smart, playoff experience
Injury-prone

Final Roster Spot Still Open

The Nuggets still have one open roster spot, leaving the door open for a late addition. They could pursue a mid-tier veteran via trade or wait to see which players become available after training camp cuts.

Potential under-the-radar options include:

Delon Wright: a defensive-minded combo guard
Cameron Payne: proven playoff contributor
Goran Dragic: aging but savvy and skilled in half-court offense

Each comes with questions, but any would be an upgrade over relying solely on Pickett.

The Urgency to Capitalize on the Jokic-Murray Window

Time is of the essence for the Nuggets. Jokic is still in his prime, and Jamal Murray continues to evolve as a scoring threat and playmaker. The supporting cast is deeper than ever, and the Western Conference remains highly competitive.

To maximize this championship wi

ndow, Denver must resolve their backup point guard situation before the season begins. A single injury to Murray or an off-night from the starting five could be disastrous without a competent floor general to step in.

In the modern NBA, where depth and flexibility are paramount, having a solid second-unit leader isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Conclusion: A Strong Offseason with One Missing Piece

The Denver Nuggets’ 2025 offseason has been largely successful. They addressed scoring, defense, and size, positioning themselves well for another playoff push. The additions of Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas all make sense on paper and enhance the roster’s overall quality.

But their decision not to pursue Chris Paul—or any high-level backup point guard—could haunt them when the postseason arrives. There’s still time to course correct, but the margin for error in the Western Conference is razor-thin.

For a team as close to championship glory as Denver, leaving even one position unfilled could be the difference between raising another banner and falling short again.