The Denver Nuggets face one of their most challenging offseasons yet with NBA draft approaching on June 23 and free agency negotiations beginning on June 30. 

The Nuggets currently have three unrestricted free agents in Tyus Jones, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Their four restricted free agents most notably features Peyton Watson, who emerged as a pivotal starter in his fourth season. 

With plenty of decisions still to make, it is clear that the Nuggets desperately need more bench depth. Here’s three things the Nuggets need to do to develop their backcourt.

Watson had a breakout year for the Nuggets, averaging career-highs with 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals while also shooting over 49% from the floor and 41% from deep across his 54 games. 

An elite two-way wing player, Watson excelled in an expanded role this season. He always had the reputation of a versatile perimeter defender and shot blocker, but his ability to translate that to the offensive end contributed to the Nuggets’ having the best offensive rating in the league.  

Suffering a grade 2 hamstring strain in February that he later re-aggravated at the start of April, the Nuggets missed his presence in the playoffs.

The Nuggets will have to compete with offers from the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, the only three teams that currently have cap space. Projected to receive a four-year offer worth $90 million per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Nuggets will need to match that.

While it may seem too soon to part ways with Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, the Nuggets need to free up space on their payroll. 

Braun, who signed a rookie contract extension of five years, $125 million back in October, did not step up in his fourth season. Despite battling an injury even through the playoffs, Braun only regressed. 

Shooting a career-low 30.1% from deep and finishing with less than 10 points in his last four games against the Timberwolves, Braun did not step up and help Murray in the backcourt. While he did shoot nearly 52% from the floor, his overall shot volume decreased, not something his $125 million extension can excuse. 

Johnson provided that stretch-four help the Nuggets needed and he’s established himself as a three-and-d player, but the timing of his contract ultimately plays a role.

With just one year left on his expiring contract worth $23 million, Johnson can become a valuable trade piece for the Nuggets and help get them under the potential first apron and pay Watson in the process. 

To give Jamal Murray some help, the Nuggets will have some options to fill that hole with the 26th pick in the first round.

If available, the Nuggets could land sophomore guard Christian Anderson from Texas Tech. The 6-foot-3 guard put up 18.5 points and 7.4 assists per game, making him a viable threat as a scorer and passer. 

He also shot over 41% from deep and can serve as a catch-and-shoot guy off the bench, potentially replacing the role of Tim Hardaway Jr. if he departs. 

They could also go after Ebuka Okorie, a standout freshman guard from Stanford.

A formidable force with the ball, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 23.2 points at Stanford which was eighth in the country. 

For someone who attacks the rim and protects the ball well, he could pair well of the bench and give the Nuggets the attacking guard they need.