Denver Nuggets · 6 notes
Spencer Jones has done no contact work and must get through 1-on-1, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 before he's cleared, Nuggets coach David Adelman said: "It looks like he's heading that way." Marvin Bagley III's absence means Denver has seen him with DeMar DeRozan only in scrimmages.
Denver's top six is set, David Adelman said at practice, with Marvin Bagley III and Tyus Jones next in line. Beyond that it's open: Bryce Hopkins and Alpha Diallo have had good moments. Spencer Jones is in the rotation "if he's healthy"; Adelman gave no update on his status.
Bryce Hopkins got a look with the Nuggets' starters. David Adelman liked him playing to his strengths and compared his court feel to Spencer Jones last season: "Bryce is really good... Long way to go." Hopkins said he is learning shooting guard, small forward and power forward.
Alpha Diallo, fighting for a Nuggets roster spot, stood out to David Adelman postgame: "He guarded their best players... He did things that other guys weren't doing." Adelman's warning: "Spencer Jones isn't even playing. So the minutes to be found will be earned."
Trevon Brazile knew Spencer Jones not playing meant more minutes, so he studied film with Denver's development staff, then started against Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. Coach David Adelman said he earned it every day, but "I'm going to rotate that spot."
Nuggets 1/3 Nuggets coach David Adelman wouldn't commit to Spencer Jones playing Oct. 3 after a tweak kept him out of a scrimmage: a small thing that could become a big one. Aaron Gordon: "My ankle's in a good spot." Adelman will watch DeMar DeRozan, "an older guy."