Denver Nuggets starting lineup for 2023-24 NBA season: All players listed

The Denver Nuggets begin their NBA title defense on Tuesday night as they battle the Los Angeles Lakers in an early Western Conference Finals rematch to open the 2023-24 season.

With the core of their championship team from last season still intact, expect the Nuggets to employ their usual starting unit as they play the Lakers at home for the first time since sweeping them out of the playoffs.

Projected Starters
Point Guard	Jamal Murray
Shooting Guard	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Small Forward	Michael Porter Jr.
Power Forward	Aaron Gordon
Center	Nikola Jokic

Leading the way for the Nuggets are their superstars, Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Also, expect Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon to complete their starting unit.

Returning for the Nuggets from last year are Christian Braun, Reggie Jackson, DeAndre Jordan, Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, and two-way player Collin Gillespie.

While Bruce Brown and Thomas Bryant, who had vital roles during their championship run, have already left the Nuggets, they could be primed to have a solid bench, especially if rookie Julian Strawther makes an impression.

Although listed in the lineup, Vlatko Cancar will not see action for the Nuggets. He recently underwent surgery to treat an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered while playing for Slovenia in their buildup for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Julian Strawther potential scene-stealer for Denver Nuggets

While the Denver Nuggets are expected to bring back their regular starting unit for their season debut, do not be surprised if Julian Strawther could take over a starter spot somewhere down the road.

Listed at six-foot-seven, Strawther has the versatility to play both wing positions, which could mean Caldwell-Pope and Porter might need to exert extra effort if they want to stay as starters.

Strawther averaged 17.8 points in four preseason games while converting 45.2 percent of his threes. Strawther could also be a solid two-way player, much to the delight of coach Mike Malone.

Already done with two years of school then, Strawther originally planned to enter the 2022 NBA Draft but eventually decided to return to Gonzaga for another season of college basketball.

Strwather's decision to stay in school turned out to be beneficial as he had a stellar junior year with the Bulldogs, leading them to the US NCAA quarterfinals.

Strawther saw his draft stock increase enough to become a first-round pick, but the Indiana Pacers, right after drafting him 29th overall, quickly sent him to the Denver Nuggets as part of a four-team draft night trade that also included the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.