The Denver Nuggets aren't exactly entering 2026 with a roster that's falling apart, but there are enough questions around the edges to make this season a little more dramatic than it needs to be. The biggest one might be Peyton Watson. Denver still has to figure out his contract situation, and the Nuggets are already dealing with second-apron issues before they even give their talented young wing a new deal.
That's an awkward spot to be in when you're trying to keep a championship-caliber core together. More sports: Steelers QB Will Howard Deserves More Praise for Preseason Performance Because make no mistake, the core is still very good. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon remain the foundation of this team, and all three should still be in their primes for the next few years.
But, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks this team won't be as good this season. That's because of what's beyond the top of the roster. The Nuggets didn't make any notable additions, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is gone.
Losing Hardaway takes another piece away from a rotation that could use the depth. That puts some extra focus on Julian Strawther, who could be in line for a bigger role if he takes a step forward. Denver will need players like him to give the team more than it got last season if the Nuggets want to keep pace in the West.
Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to Watch Then there's Watson, whose situation could ultimately dictate how aggressive Denver is elsewhere. Does the team push further into the second apron to keep him, or does a cost-cutting move become necessary? Either way, this doesn't look like a roster that's going backward in a dramatic way.
The problem is that standing still might not be enough. We'll find out come October.
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