The Denver Nuggets have a few areas to focus on this offseason, one of which is their backup center position. They will have various options to consider, including four-time rebounding champion Andre Drummond.
In a story published on May 22, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey detailed why Drummond is a “realistic” option for the Nuggets.
“A dependable big man to give Jokić some rest would be beneficial, and even though Andre Drummond is now in the phase of his career where he’s receiving veteran minimum deals, he has proven reliable over the last three seasons.”
“He’s certainly a different type of center than Jokić, but Denver could dominate the glass and get some easy buckets inside in the 15-16 minutes per game he’d play there.”
Drummond has topped the NBA in rebounding four times. At his peak, he was selected for multiple All-Star teams and made an All-NBA team. However, his role has diminished in recent seasons.
Since 2021, Drummond has taken on the role of backup center for the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. His deepest postseason run has been to the first round. Nonetheless, serving as Nikola Jokic’s backup could prove advantageous for both parties.
Kelly Olynyk suggested as ‘ideal’ target for backup center role
Bailey explained why Toronto Raptors’ big man Kelly Olynyk would be an ideal target for the Nuggets.
“Kelly Olynyk, of course, is another big man, but he’s stylistically a lot closer to Jokić while also being a more reliable three-point shooter,” Bailey wrote. “His range, playmaking, and the fact that he’s at least in the right spots defensively would make the Nuggets’ second unit far more dynamic.”
Unlike Drummond, Olynyk recently signed a two-year, $26 million contract. To obtain him, the Nuggets would need to put together a trade package. Bailey suggested what the Nuggets might have to offer in exchange for Olynyk.
“He signed an extension with the Raptors after being traded there this past season, so landing him would take a trade, but maybe Zeke Nnaji, salary filler, and some draft capital might be enough to entice the rebuilding Raptors.”
This could be challenging because the Nuggets are probably going to exceed the NBA’s second tax apron. Teams that do this can’t combine contracts to match a player like Olynyk. If they manage to get below that threshold, they’ll be fine. Alternatively, they could trade someone like Michael Porter Jr. for Olynyk and additional assets.
Kyle Lowry Mentioned as Possible Target for the Nuggets
Dan Favale from Bleacher Report elaborated on why it’s most effective to utilize former All-Star Kyle Lowry in the role of a backup point guard at this stage of his career.
“If the Sixers aren’t ponying up to keep him on a one-year deal and/or aspire to reorient their backcourt depth, he is exactly the type of player who could play for the minimum on a contender promising him real minutes,” Favale wrote in a May 20 story.
He elaborated on why the Nuggets (and Timberwolves) could be a suitable choice for him.
“To what end Denver and Minnesota can guarantee his role is debatable. Both could use upgrades at the backup point guard spot. The Nuggets have Reggie Jackson (player option), and the Timberwolves landed Monte Morris at the deadline, but Lowry is the steadier defender and off-ball mover and can still run things and fire off pull-up jumpers in a pinch.”
If Lowry can’t secure a significantly better contract than the veteran’s minimum, the Nuggets might offer the perfect opportunity for him.
