Denver Nuggets updated depth chart after landing Russell Westbrook

The Denver Nuggets’ highly anticipated signing of Russell Westbrook finally happened. Rumors quickly surfaced that the 2023 NBA champs pursued the former MVP after the LA Clippers traded him to the Utah Jazz. Once “Brodie” and the Jazz agreed to a buyout, it seemed inevitable Westbrook was landing in Mile High City.

Three-time and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic reportedly pushed the Nuggets front office to acquire the former OKC Thunder star. The Serbian had been looking to play with Westbrook for some time now. On Friday, Denver’s franchise cornerstone got what he wanted when “Russ” signed a two-year, $6.77 million contract.

Russell Westbrook’s signing adds depth and scoring punch to a backcourt that badly needs reinforcement. Reggie Jackson had been traded to the Charlotte Hornets while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left to play for the Orlando Magic. Westbrook will likely be the leader of Denver’s bench mob.

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Denver Nuggets depth chart

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are guaranteed to start next season for the Denver Nuggets. The fifth spot could be a toss-up between Christian Braun and Julian Strawther. Mike Malone has some tough decisions to make once training camp starts.

Malone’s second-stringers have always struggled when Jokic isn’t on the floor. Russell Westbrook’s arrival could bode well for the team when Jokic or even Murray sits out.

Here is Denver’s lineup for the 2024-25 season:

Player	Position	Age	Contract
Jamal Murray	PG	27	Regular
Russell Westbrook	PG	36	Regular
Jalen Pickett	PG	25	Regular
Christian Braun	SG	23	Regular
Peyton Watson	SG	22	Regular
Trey Alexander	SG	21	Two-Way
Julian Strawther	SF	22	Regular
Hunter Tyson	SF	24	Regular
Michael Porter Jr.	SF	26	Regular
Aaron Gordon	PF	29	Regular
Zeke Nnaji	PF	24	Regular
Dario Saric	PF	30	Regular
Daron Holmes	PF	22	Regular
Vlatko Cancar	PF	27	Regular
Nikola Jokic	C	29	Regular
DeAndre Jordan	C	36	Regular

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The Nuggets need their fringe players from last season to step up

Christian Braun’s development made Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure manageable. Denver’s payroll wouldn’t allow them to give “KCP” the money he was looking for. When the Orlando Magic offered him a three-year $66 million contract, the two-time champ promptly took his talents to Florida.

While Russell Westbrook’s arrival will help the Denver Nuggets, the team’s fringe players from last season need to step up. Peyton Watson showed flashes of improvement but couldn’t get minutes in the playoffs. Mike Malone hopes he can play Watson more during the 2024-25 campaign.

Julian Strawther looked good in the Nuggets’ Summer League games. He has the potential to be a starter over Braun. Zeke Nnaji and Vlatko Cancar will get opportunities if they can show more on training camp. New signee Dario Saric is expected to contribute in whatever minutes he can get as a backup big who can space the floor.

The Denver Nuggets are happy to get Russell Westbrook but their bench will remain an issue if the others will not step up.