Nuggets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Denver Nuggets starting power forward: Aaron Gordon

Another obvious choice is Aaron Gordon is the starting power forward for the Nuggets. Last season Gordon had a career year and near All-Star where he averaged 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3 assists on 56/35/61 splits. In the postseason Gordon averaged 13.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 52/39/65 splits.

Even though Gordon had a career year on the offensive end last season, his defense is one of the most important aspects of this team. Nikola Jokic lacks a defensive intensity which Gordon more than makes up for. Last postseason Gordon was the primary defender on Karl Anthony-Towns, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler.

Even though he is undersized, he is the perfect power forward to have alongside Nikola Jokic. He is athletic enough to run the pick-n-roll with Jokic and Murray, last postseason showed he can be a threat from three and he is a great defender. Entering his 10th season at age 28, Gordon is in position to have another great season.

Nuggets primary backup power forward; Zeke Nnaji

Last season the Nuggets primary backup power forward was Jeff Green but with him gone, their next option is to go with Zeke Nnaji. He played 53 games last season and averaged 5.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, on 56/26/65 splits.

With Jeff Green gone Nnaji will take on a slightly bigger role this season. Expect him to play around 15 to 20 minutes per game and the Nuggets will ask him to be a great hustle player. He will grab key rebounds, play solid defense and get a few hustle points.

Even though his three-point shooting was horrendous last season, Nnaji’s history would suggest that he is a good three-point shooter. In his last two seasons, he shot 44 percent from three but with an increased role, he should be around his career average of 38 percent.

Others who could receive minutes; Vlatko Cancar

Vlatko Cancar has played the last four seasons with the Nuggets and hasn’t had a huge role. Last season he played in 60 games and averaged 5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 48/37/93 splits. The gap between him and Zeke Nnaji isn’t that big so there’s a chance he can squeak in and get significant playing time for the Nuggets.