Fans and media alike have spent this summer trashing the Denver Nuggets. They’ve torn apart Denver’s disastrous playoff collapse. They’ve criticized the Nuggets’ free agency moves (or lack thereof). But finally, the leaves have started to fall, meaning it’s time to look forward.
The 2026 NBA season is just a month and a half away. Teams will display new players, new rotations, and new ways to make or break their fans’ hopes and dreams. Naturally, Denver is no different.
Admittedly, the Nuggets did very little during free agency. However, their most notable move was easily the signing of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. Though he likely will not be starting, his impact on the squad will be massive. In fact, his not starting may allow him to have an even greater impact. It could even make him a favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Denver’s Bench Is the Perfect Landing Spot for DeRozan
DeRozan has long been considered one of the best scorers in the NBA over the last decade and a half.
Before last year, he had averaged over 20 points a game for 12 years straight. With his patented midrange jumper, he has been able to score at will throughout his career. Even though he is older, and even though his numbers took a dip last year, he still has more than enough in the tank.
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DeRozan’s name is one that has never come up in Sixth Man of the Year conversations before. That is because he has not come off the bench since his rookie year. However, at 37 years old, that stretch is finally coming to an end.
He cannot match Christian Braun‘s defense, and he cannot match Cameron Johnson‘s shooting. Plus, between Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, their starting lineup has more than enough creators. So, his spot on the bench is all but confirmed.
This is by no means a negative for DeRozan, though. As a sixth man, he will have a chance to reinvent his career. Sure, he was putting up great numbers in Chicago and Sacramento, but they were empty stats.
This Denver team, despite their flaws, is the best team DeRozan has been on this decade. Plus, the Nuggets desperately lack shot-makers on their bench. They will hand him the keys to their second unit’s offense and allow him to score at will.
The last four Sixth Men of the Year all averaged under 15 points a game. DeRozan should be able to beat that through his scoring prowess alone. Factoring in Denver’s lack of bench help and the ability to play alongside Jokic, he could put up some record-breaking bench numbers.
The Competition for Sixth Man of the Year Doesn’t Stack Up
DeRozan’s scoring and advantageous environment have already been established. But does he have what it takes to knock off some of the other top candidates?
One candidate that many believe in is Dylan Harper. After his tremendous postseason, the hype is understandable.
However, San Antonio has so many mouths to feed. They just brought in Tobias Harris, who is an exceptional shot creator. Whether he or Julian Champagnie starts, Harper loses bench reps regardless. Not to mention the Spurs still have the reigning Sixth Man of the Year in Keldon Johnson. In fact, only once since 1987 has a team had different players win the award in back-to-back years.
Another beloved option is Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell. As a fantastic scorer who stepped up late in the season for the Thunder, he is also a reasonable choice.
However, just like Harper, his team has so many bench scorers. Jared McCain, Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams, and even the rookie Bennett Stirtz could all make their own cases for the award. Additionally, Mitchell started 16 games last year alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fitting seamlessly. Coach Mark Daigneault may want to see more of that duo.
Other names like Reed Sheppard, Anthony Black, and Ace Bailey are all valid options. However, they do not have the scoring reputation that DeRozan has. All three are still unproven scorers, and until they show that they can continually produce, they will not be the favorites.
DeRozan may not be what he once was, and the Nuggets may not be what they once were. However, the pairing between the two could be the perfect recipe for a Sixth Man of the Year campaign in DeRozan’s first season off the bench.
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