NBA: Ranking the 10 best projected bench units heading into 2019-20
By Dan Knitzer
6) Denver Nuggets
Projected Starters: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Jerami Grant or Will Barton Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic
Projected High Minute Bench Players: Monte Morris, Torrey Craig, Jerami Grant or Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr., Mason Plumlee
The Denver Nuggets still lack a true small forward, but that didn’t hamper them in the regular season last year but may have done so in the playoffs. If Michael Porter Jr. doesn’t emerge as the ideal candidate, this team has the assets to pull off a trade this year to get one without sacrificing their depth.
5) San Antonio Spurs
Projected Starters: Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge
Projected High Minute Bench Players: Patty Mills, Bryan Forbes, Marco Belinelli, DeMarre Carroll, Jakob Poeltl
Last season the San Antonio Spurs bench scored the 11th most points and posted the 6th best net rating. Losing Poetl for nothing hurts, but a healthy Murray will allow one of last season’s starting guards to come off the bench, plus the continued development of their young players indicates this team will be deep and defensively-solid.