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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 28: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during media day at Ball Arena on September 28, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets didn’t have the best offseason in the NBA, but they did pretty well despite some financial constraints.
One of the Nuggets’ biggest moves of the summer was signing veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan, who is entering his 18th season in the NBA.
At 37 years old, DeRozan doesn’t have the explosiveness he once had, but he averaged 18.4 points per game last season for the Sacramento Kings.
DeMar DeRozan’s Denver Nuggets Role Revealed
GettyDeMar DeRozan #10 of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during media day at Ball Arena on September 28, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman confirmed on Friday that DeMar DeRozan will be coming off the bench his first season in the Mile High City.
“I don’t think there was ever any doubt this would be the arrangement, but today Nuggets HC David Adelman confirmed the starting lineup will be same as last year, with DeMar DeRozan coming off the bench. DeRozan has already said he’s willing to do that and his focus is on winning,” Durando tweeted.
That means the Nuggets’ starting lineup would feature Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic.
GettyNikola Jokic #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the third quarter of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
It’s a very good starting five, which didn’t have a lot of playing time together last season due to injuries. Braun, Johnson and Gordon were hampered by injuries, and Jokic even missed a month of action because of a knee issue.
DeRozan would bring scoring off the bench. He could also play multiple positions and even be a playmaker if needed.
David Adelman Still Figuring Out Rotation
GettyHead coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
In addition to DeMar DeRozan, the Denver Nuggets added players like Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo, Cam Whitmore and Lonnie Walker IV.
Speaking to reporters, coach David Adelman will use the preseason to test out his rotation, especially integrating DeRozan’s offense and managing his minutes.
“I think, for me, I’ve got to figure it out through feel in the preseason,” Adelman said via Sports Illustrated. “Who am I taking out and why? If it’s Cam (Johnson), it’s because Cam was really good with the second unit last year.”
“And the other thing is, we have to figure out how long I’m gonna run DeMar … I’m not quite sure yet until we get into the preseason,” the coach added. “That’s why those games are important to me. … DeMar, he’s an older guy. I’ve got to make sure I take care of him too.”
The Nuggets begin their preseason on Sunday at the Coors Event Center in Boulder, Colorado, against the Utah Jazz.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David