Two Breakout Candidates Who Could Save Nuggets’ 2026-27 Season

The Denver Nuggets are going into the 2026-2027 regular season with a veteran rotation. Four of their five starters are players who were part of their championship run in 2023, and after a disappointing effort in the postseason, the goal is to get back to that championship-contender status. 

Even though center Nikola Jokic and guard Jamal Murray are the true focal points of the team, there are two young players who could break out next season, and it could give the Nuggets the boost they need to have a deep playoff run. 

One of them is guard Julian Strawther. While Strawther is out for approximately six weeks due to a left knee sprain, his play could determine how well the Nuggets do this season, especially for their second unit.  

He's been with the team since 2023, when he was picked 29th overall by the Nuggets in the NBA Draft. Strawther has yet to see a true big role with the franchise up to this point in his career, but after the departure of Peyton Watson and the lack of guard depth, this year could bring him a lot of opportunity. 

Julian Strawther is still just 24 years old, and he has an advantage going into this season because of the continuity he has with the roster. If he can get more opportunities late in the season, he could make this team better. 

The other breakout candidate is forward Spencer Jones, who may also see more of an expanded role this season. In the offseason, Jones signed a two-year deal with the Nuggets, and the front office had to match it after the Oklahoma City Thunder made him an offer. 

Now, he goes into this season with confidence from the front office and coaching staff. Jones is a player who can space the floor, as he shot 69.2 percent from the three-point range in the postseason. 

If the Nuggets can find a way to get Jones more open looks this season and give him opportunities to be effective offensively, this is someone who can be a big boost to this second unit. 

Overall, the Nuggets will need one of these players to step up. Last season, it was clear that their lack of young talent became an issue, and it was time to change things up on the roster. Giving more opportunity to new faces could lead to more success from a bench that has a lot of question marks.