Reporter: The Nuggets offseason operation is not perfect, the team s weakest position is the substitute point guard

According to NBA reporter Bailey Bassett, the Nuggets' offseason is one of the best performers in the NBA. The Nuggets traded Michael Porter for Cameron Johnson, who is also an efficient shooter but has an advantage in defense and organization of offense. They also signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown in free agency, giving the two important roles in the bench - Brown was a key member of the 2023 Nuggets championship team. In addition, they got Valanciunas through the trade.

However, the Nuggets' offseason is not perfect. It is really regrettable that there is an operation that should be done but not done. The Nuggets still have a roster vacancies, and the weakest position of the team is the substitute point guard when Russell Westbrook is not expected to return. So, who should the Nuggets sign to fill this position? Chris Paul signed a contract long after the free agent market opened, and the Nuggets reportedly never showed interest in the upcoming 21st season of his career. The great point guard at the all-time level eventually signed with the Los Angeles Clippers — a team he spent most of his prime career.

The championship ring is the only thing that is missing in Paul's career. In fact, he can be said to be the greatest championless player in history. If Paul fought for the championship in his final season, no one would blame him, and the Nuggets might offer him the best chance to win the NBA Finals.

Paul may only have one season left in his career, and it is of great significance to both parties to reach a basic salary contract with the Nuggets. But things went against their expectations. Paul joined the elderly Clippers with a salary of just over $2 million - a team that is suffering from injuries every year and has never been able to overcome the Nuggets in the playoffs.

Are there any other options in the free agent market?

Speaking of the remaining free agents, the first thing that comes to mind in the Nuggets at point guard may be Russell Westbrook. The future Hall of Famer had a degree of recovery with the Nuggets last year, with his passes and improved 3-point shooting, working in a tacit understanding with Jokic and the starter. His energy also played a positive role when he came on the court with a substitute that had been underperforming for years.

Westbrook averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game, which is a significant improvement compared to his last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite his outstanding performance, Westbrook rejected the player option for the 2025-26 season, and both he and the Nuggets seem to have decided to part ways. Westbrook has been frequently associated with the Sacramento Kings this offseason.

He seems to be no longer so suitable for the Nuggets. Valanciunas is the Nuggets' new backup center, and he and Westbrook don't seem to be ideal partner-Valanciunas' game pace is much slower than Westbrook. Since the Turtles (Westbrook's nickname) is unlikely to return and Paul will play in Los Angeles, they can consider Malcolm Brogdon if the Nuggets decide to bring in a point guard for the last roster spot.

Brogden averaged double-digit points per game for nine consecutive seasons. The previous rookie of the year provided the Nuggets’ substitute with the stable performance they expected. However, Brogden's injury problem is worrying - he only played 24 games last year and only played 39 games the year before. But Murray does not need a substitute point guard to take on excessive tasks. If Brogdon is out, Brown has experience playing point guard, and Pickett also showed potential to be a reliable rotation player last season.

If Paul and Jokic partner, the opponent will not be able to stop them with tactics. The Nuggets have many excellent shooters and breakthrough players, and Paul will definitely be in a good position to fight alongside them. Jamal Murray is an All-Star player, while Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are extremely impactful dunkers.