David Roddy has had an impressive performance since being called up from the G-League.
David Roddy is the newest Denver Nugget and he's jumped on the floor and made an impact in a big way.
He signed with the Nuggets on a one year, two way contract ahead of this season after playing with the Houston Rockets in a handful of games last season and after a long grind in the G-League this season playing with the Grand Rapids Gold, Roddy was given his chance with the Nuggets in the final games of the season.
He's certainly made the most of that late-season opportunity. He's asserted himself as an impactful big man inside the paint and in no game was that more clear than the Nuggets' 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
San Antonio Spurs guard DeAaron Fox (4) loses control of the ball while defended by Denver Nuggets forward David Roddy (45) and guard Curtis Jones (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesRoddy Making An Impact
Roddy played 33 minutes with the majority of the Nuggets' heavy hitters out on rest and pulled down 13 rebounds, six defensive and seven offensive, while scoring 13 points and adding two assists and a steal.
It was an explosion from Roddy and truly showed what he can be capable of if given the minutes to do so. Between that game and the Nuggets' April 10 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Roddy has combined for a 21+ mark and truly cemented himself as someone who belongs at the NBA level on such a talented roster.
Denver Nuggets forward David Roddy (45) shoots the ball in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesHe knew exactly what kind of opportunity he was given with the late-season call up and he was determined to prove himself.
"That I can compete, no matter who's on the floor. Impact winning in so many different ways, whether it's defense, offensive rebounds, just making the winning plays," Roddy said (via Nuggets).
Roddy's Future
The end of the season is when players like Roddy truly get their chances to shine and allow their months of hard work in the G-League to finally pay off.
Denver Nuggets forward David Roddy (45) before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesWith the kind of performance that Roddy put together so close to the playoffs, he could have just earned himself a consistent spot on the Nuggets roster as they push for another championship run.
The size and presence that brings to the court, along with his elite rebounding ability, is exactly what the Nuggets need right now.
Denver Nuggets forward David Roddy (45) shoots the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Chris Nicoll-Imagn ImagesHaving more of presence inside the paint not only lets the Nuggets be more versatile, but it frees up players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon to operate more in the midrange and on the perimeter to set up plays or create different looks.
A more diverse offense is a harder to guard offense and it could take the Nuggets deep into the playoffs.
Roddy may have just arrived in Denver, but he could continue to be a part of something special.