The Denver Nuggets just inked undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard to a two-way deal, and to make it happen, they waived KJ Simpson. This isn’t just some minor roster shuffle, though. Denver is seriously out there trying to find some diamonds in the rough, especially with their cap space tight as a drum.
Nuggets Playing 4D Chess with Limited Funds
Man, the Nuggets have been in a tough spot with cap space this summer, right? That’s exactly why they had to ship off Peyton Watson. But you know what? They are still finding ways to make smart, impactful moves. For days, Marc Stein from The Stein Line was reporting that Nembhard had strong interest from Denver and a few other teams, all of whom would have needed to clear a two-way spot. Denver was apparently the leader in the clubhouse from the jump, and they got their guy. This strategy of targeting under-the-radar guys could totally pay off huge. They snagged Cam Whitmore a few weeks back with the same mindset. These are players with a chip on their shoulders, and the Nuggets are betting they can make a real difference.
Nembhard’s Game: More Than Just “Undrafted”
So, why Nembhard? This undersized guard could absolutely earn some meaningful minutes at some point in the season. Jake Weinbach, an NBA writer, hit the nail on the head, calling both Nembhard and Whitmore “great value for Denver, especially as a second apron team.” The dude can seriously dish the rock, too. He’s recorded 23 assists in a single game during his career! That shows he can be a great distributor, no doubt. If Denver can develop these players the right way, they really might have found a couple of legit gems. Nembhard’s got a big opportunity to learn a ton from Jamal Murray, whether that’s during training camp or when he eventually joins the NBA squad. Even with their resources stretched thin, the Nuggets are clearly still finding ways to make solid pickups. This is a team that knows how to maximize every single opportunity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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