How Can the Nuggets Replace Tim Hardaway Jr.?

On June 30, Nuggets sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. signed with the Miami Heat. The sniper proved vital to Denver all season, putting up 14.5 points per game and finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Now, as the Nuggets retool this offseason, they will need another scoring wing to help supplement his production.

In the draft, Denver opted for size with both of their second-round picks. First, they drafted lanky 6-foot-10 center Trevon Brazile. Next, they went for physical 6-foot-7 forward Bryce Hopkins. Both are guys with potential down the line, but neither seems like a Hardaway Jr. replacement.

So far, the Nuggets’ only new free agency signing has been backup big Marvin Bagley III. Other teams are signing top players left and right, so whatever Denver decides to do, they need to do it quickly.

Demote Christian Braun to the Bench

Denver’s first option is to stay in-house. Their lack of aggressiveness so far in free agency could be a sign of what’s to come. Many expected Christian Braun or Cameron Johnson to be on the move. Trading them would allow the Nuggets to bring back Peyton Watson without dipping into the second apron. Yet Braun and Johnson remain on the roster.

Denver was expected to go after Jaylen Brown, but he was traded to Philadelphia. They were briefly linked to Kawhi Leonard, but he went back to Toronto. They have even been rumored to be in the LeBron James sweepstakes, though it seems far-fetched. Nevertheless, the Nuggets have been very quiet, which could indicate their willingness to run it back.

No team desires to enter the second apron, but doing so is certainly a possibility. Denver is very keen on bringing back Watson. Despite that, though, Braun and Johnson trade rumors seem to have cooled down a touch. Maybe they’re unimpressed by possible return packages, or maybe they’ve changed their mind.

Some also speculate that interest in Watson regarding his current price point is dwindling, which could make it easier for Denver to re-sign him. Nevertheless, the Nuggets could keep their core intact. After Braun’s last season, Denver may not want to start him. The opposite can be said for Watson.

Denver could run a big lineup, putting Watson or Johnson at the two alongside Murray while Braun comes off the bench. Or perhaps, given Denver’s lack of guard depth, they bench Watson or Johnson and use them as the backup shooting guard.

Either way, a rotation of this nature would certainly raise some eyebrows. However, it would allow Denver to maintain their chemistry and avoid a detrimental roster change.

Julian Strawther Could Step Into the Starting Role

Julian Strawther’s possible future with the team has already been covered at length. Nevertheless, he is currently the backup shooting guard on the depth chart. 

His knockdown shooting and shot creation could perfectly fulfill the scoring wing role that Hardaway Jr. left vacant. Should Denver remain dormant this offseason, the role could be his.

Matisse Thybulle Would Fit Denver’s Needs Perfectly

Any free agent that the Nuggets want to bring in must be cheap. Between Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Braun, Johnson, and Watson, they have very little financial wiggle room.

Additionally, the shooting guard market has already begun to appear scarce. The Rockets scooped Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marcus Smart, the Warriors brought back De’Anthony Melton, and the Lakers nabbed Collin Sexton. So pickings may already be a little slim. Nevertheless, there is still some great value to be found.

Matisse Thybulle has been one of the most underrated 3-D wings in the NBA for quite some time now. He is by no means a prolific scorer. But having shot nearly 40% from three last year and the year prior, he would fit nicely in Denver’s offense.

As for defense, Thybulle is about as good as it gets. The former Washington Husky has been top seven in steals per game in all but two years of his NBA career. He also posted the best on/off defensive rating amongst players with a minimum of 300 minutes played.

Thybulle may not be able to fully replace Hardaway Jr.’s scoring. However, the NBA has shown time and again how much contenders need guys who can knock down threes and play great defense. The Spurs have Julian Champagnie, the Knicks have Landry Shamet, and the Thunder have a whole team full of such players. Thybulle could perfectly fill that role for Denver.

Khris Middleton Could Be a Steal on a Cheap Deal

Most free-agent backup wings are career bench players on consistently cheap deals who can hit threes and defend, but not much more. However, Khris Middleton profiles very differently.

Only five years ago, Middleton was averaging over 20 points a game as a second option and two-way star on an NBA Finals team. The former Buck is a three-time All-Star, renowned for his shot creation and defense.

Since then, Middleton’s career has been derailed by injuries and Father Time.

Between wrist surgery and knee soreness, he played only 33 games in the 2023 season. He missed more time in 2024 with a sprained ankle and went on to have surgeries on both ankles in the offseason. He was then traded to the Wizards and later the Mavericks. With both teams headed in younger directions, he has struggled to regain his footing, and his scoring has decreased every year since.

Sure, Middleton is not who he used to be. But he can still be a solid contributor to a contending team. Nobody wanted anything to do with him on his $33 million-per-year contract. However, his deal just expired, which means many teams may be after him since his price will drop substantially.

Denver certainly does not need him to be who he was in Milwaukee. However, he might still be able to provide steady perimeter defense, consistent three-point shooting, and scoring off the dribble. If so, the Nuggets could be getting themselves an absolute steal.

Denver Needs to Act Before the Market Dries Up

NBA free agency is a wild and constantly changing time. Trades, signings, and other front office decisions could make this article irrelevant in a matter of days. Regardless, the Nuggets need a new wing, ideally one who can hit threes and defend. After avoiding one in the draft and giving themselves little money in free agency, they will have to find themselves a diamond in the rough.

Veteran bench pieces prove to be crucial each and every year, and how Denver attacks this role could have a massive impact on their season.