The Denver Nuggets are heading into the official NBA off-season with a few question marks. How can they add additional wing-depth? Will Michael Porter take the next step and fully solidify himself as a foundational piece? However, the biggest off-season question mark remains, who should step in as the “interim” point guard while Jamal Murray recovers?
A few possibilities have been discussed regarding the issue at point guard. Should they bring back Austin Rivers and move Monte Morris up to the starting lineup? While that seems like the easiest solution, Morris has stated in the past that he is more comfortable in his backup spot than in the starting lineup. Other rumors have swirled regarding bringing in a starting-caliber point guard, such as Collin Sexton or Kyle Lowry.
All these appear fine and dandy, but there’s one player who might be the perfect fit who could not only really come to Denver, but have reasons to want to be here.
A Possible Option at Point Guard
Why Should the Nuggets Consider Derrick White as an Option?
The player Denver should keep their eye on is none other than Colorado’s own, Derrick White. White currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs and apparently, has been made available by the Spurs alongside teammate Dejounte Murray.
White is the ideal solution for Denver’s point guard problems and could also fill the perimeter defensive issue that’s plagued Denver in recent years. White’s long frame has made him a very good defender against quicker guards (just ask Jamal Murray who faced off against him in the 2019 NBA Playoffs). White also is a great driver, with an explosive first step, and has shown his innate ability to finish above the rim.
White is the perfect fit for the Nuggets to solve their point guard dilemma. Yet, the question is, why would White want to leave the Spurs? He just signed a lucrative four-year deal last year and has been a Popovich favorite during his tenure in San Antonio. What exactly would be the draw to the Nuggets outside of playing alongside the NBA MVP?
Why Would White Decide to Come and Play in Denver?
For those of you who do not know Derrick White’s path to the NBA, you should definitely check it out. White played his high school basketball in Parker, Colorado, and was a big Denver Nuggets fan. After his high-school career concluded, he essentially “walked on” to the University of Colorado. Not the University of Colorado at Boulder, but the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, which happens to be a D-II school.
White immediately impressed the coaching staff and set numerous records over his first three years as a UCCS Mountain Lion. This gained the attention of Tad Boyle and the rest of the University of Colorado coaching staff, and White ultimately transferred to Boulder to play his final season.
White played incredibly for the Buffaloes and started receiving nationwide recognition. He was invited to the NBA Combine and from there, Popovich discovered him and the rest is history.
Seeing where White currently is in his NBA career, it would not be surprising that he would consider coming home to Denver to continue his playing career. Not only would he get the chance to play for an actual contender in the West. He would get the opportunity to play alongside the reigning MVP.
If the Spurs are truly looking to blow up their team or at least their backcourt, the Nuggets should inquire about White. Not only will White make an immediate impact on the court for the Nuggets and help during Jamal Murray’s absence. He would also get the opportunity to live out any basketball player’s dream and play for his home team.
TRADE SCENARIO (Successful via. FANSPO)
DEN Receives: Derrick White
SA Receives: Bol Bol; DEN 2021 First Round Pick (#26)
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images