Based on the information provided, the Denver Nuggets’ starting lineup consisting of Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been performing well with a positive point differential of +13.1 per 100 possessions during non-garbage time this season. This balanced and talented lineup is considered to have the qualities of a championship team.
However, the main concern lies with the Nuggets’ bench players. Currently, none of the bench players who have played more than 200 minutes this season without fouling out have a positive point differential. The bench was an area of improvement for the Nuggets in the previous year as well.
To address the issue, the Nuggets decided to combine their rotation and reduce the number of bench players to three: Christian Braun, Jeff Green, and Bruce Brown. However, the team did not make any trades by the deadline to replace Green and Brown, who are no longer with the team.
The main query here is whether the Nuggets currently have enough players on their roster to field a three-man bench that can contribute to winning another NBA championship.
Christian Braun is still a member of the Nuggets and can help replace the production of the players they lost. Braun has already demonstrated his abilities in the postseason, but with the absence of Green, he will need to exert more physicality.
Reggie Jackson, who was with the team in the previous season, can provide necessary secondary on-ball creation and playmaking skills. His ability to create for himself and play alongside Jokic can be valuable during Murray’s rest periods.
Peyton Watson is under pressure to perform and fulfill the defensive needs of the team. He has shown strong defensive efficiency and shot-blocking prowess, but his three-point shooting needs improvement. Increased playing time for Jackson may help compensate for this.
In a recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Braun, Jackson, and Watson all recorded positive +/- totals and showcased their abilities in carrying out their respective tasks. Their performances in that game indicate that the trio has the potential to contribute effectively.
In conclusion, while the Nuggets’ starting lineup is strong, the performance of their bench players is a concern. The trio of Braun, Jackson, and Watson, with their specific responsibilities, may have enough potential to support the team’s quest for back-to-back NBA championships. However, their true impact can only be determined by observing their performance in a postseason series.