Tim Hardaway Jr. Emerges as NBA 6th Man Award Contender Despite Bench Role Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has become a surprising candidate for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, despite spending most of the season on the bench. His journey to this point began with a strategic decision by Nuggets coach David Adelman, who prioritized protecting the health of veteran guards Hardaway and Bruce Brown by limiting their minutes. Adelman’s approach involved younger players stepping into key roles, a move that initially seemed counterintuitive but has since paid dividends for Denver’s team dynamics and Hardaway’s individual performance. Adelman’s rationale for the rotation was rooted in both practicality and instinct. He explained that the decision was made to “protect their bodies” and ensure Hardaway, a 33-year-old guard with a history of durability, could stay fresh for high-stakes moments. By allowing younger players to take early minutes, Adelman aimed to minimize Hardaway’s workload while still giving him opportunities to contribute when the game mattered most. “I didn’t want to play Tim 38 minutes a game,” Adelman said. “You can have your younger guys step in and take those first six minutes. It minimizes the minutes.” Beyond the physical toll, Adelman believed in the long-term value of keeping Hardaway and Brown together on the bench. “In my heart, I thought, ‘This is gonna be our bench when it matters,’” Adelman said. “And Tim and Bruce, I wanted them to play together as much as possible. Don’t break them up. Keep a rhythm.” This philosophy has allowed Hardaway to remain a consistent presence, even as Denver’s starting lineup has faced injuries and depth issues. Hardaway’s commitment to the role has been evident in his performance.#jamal_murray #nuggets #david_adelman #tim_hardaway_jr #nba_sixth_man_award
Tim Hardaway Jr. Sparks Nuggets' Comeback, Solidifying Sixth Man Contention The Denver Nuggets secured a dramatic 135-129 victory over the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter, with Tim Hardaway Jr. emerging as the catalyst for the late-game surge. The 29-year-old guard scored 11 of his 21 points in the final frame, hitting five three-pointers to fuel the Nuggets’ comeback. This marked his 17th game this season with 20 or more points, underscoring his reliability as a scoring threat. Hardaway’s performance highlighted his value as a key bench contributor, with his ability to elevate the team’s energy and production during critical moments. Hardaway’s season has been a testament to his consistency and efficiency. Through 45 games, he averages 13.8 points per game while shooting a career-best 40.9% from beyond the arc. His three-point accuracy has positioned him as a league leader in threes made off the bench, with 210 made shots this season—ranking 10th overall. This output places him just 12 behind Jamal Murray, who recently shattered the Nuggets’ franchise record for three-pointers in a season with 222. Hardaway’s ability to thrive in the role of a sixth man has made him a strong contender for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award, a recognition that head coach David Adelman has actively supported by keeping him as the primary bench anchor. The Nuggets’ decision to sign Hardaway to a veteran’s minimum contract has proven to be a strategic masterstroke. Acquired in 2023, the 13-year veteran has delivered value far beyond his $2.296 million salary, outperforming many higher-paid players. A direct comparison to Cameron Johnson, the Nuggets’ high-profile trade acquisition from the Brooklyn Nets, illustrates this point. Johnson, who was acquired in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.#denver_nuggets #jamal_murray #utah_jazz #david_adelman #tim_hardaway_jr
Aaron Gordon’s injury status has become a pivotal question for the Denver Nuggets’ season. With the team struggling and key players sidelined, coach David Adelman has hinted that a play-in tournament berth might be the best-case scenario if Gordon remains unavailable. The Nuggets’ recent 10-10 record in their last 20 games underscores the team’s reliance on Gordon, whose absence has left them 22-18 without him. Gordon’s hamstring injuries have plagued him all season, forcing him to miss 40 games and leaving only 19 remaining. His return is seen as critical to the Nuggets’ playoff hopes, as the team has struggled to find cohesion without him. When Gordon has played, the Nuggets have posted a strong 17-6 record, highlighting his role as a versatile defender and offensive threat. His ability to guard multiple positions and create opportunities for Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. has been instrumental in the team’s success. Despite his importance, Gordon’s health remains uncertain. He has dealt with six soft-tissue injuries over the past two seasons, and he attributes some of his setbacks to unresolved grief over his brother’s passing. While recent practice sessions showed promise, his absence for Thursday’s game served as a reminder of the fragility of his recovery. Adelman acknowledged the delicate balance between keeping Gordon healthy enough for the postseason and ensuring the team can compete in the play-in tournament. The Nuggets’ situation is dire. With a tough schedule remaining, they face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. Even if Gordon returns, the team’s depth is limited, and they’ll need to rely on players like Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson to step up.#denver_nuggets #nikola_jokic #david_adelman #aaron_gordon #play_in_tournament
Denver Nuggets Add Tyus Jones to Roster Ahead of Jazz Game The Denver Nuggets announced a roster adjustment ahead of their matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday, March 2. The move comes as the team’s starting five is sidelined due to injuries, prompting head coach David Adelman to rely heavily on bench players. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Nuggets have signed veteran guard Tyus Jones, a free agent with experience in the NBA’s playoff races. Jones, 29, joins the Nuggets after a stint with the Dallas Mavericks. He was acquired by the Mavericks in a trade from the Orlando Magic during the 2025 NBA trade deadline but was later waived. The Nuggets are set to add him to their roster, likely as a minimum salary player, ahead of the 2026 free agency window. Jones’ decision to leave the Mavericks, a team not expected to contend for a championship, aligns with his pursuit of a playoff opportunity with the Nuggets. The Nuggets, currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 37-24 record, will face the struggling Jazz in a matchup that could test their depth. Jones’ arrival adds a seasoned point guard to a backcourt that has struggled with consistency. His most recent NBA experience came with the Mavericks, where he appeared in eight games, averaging 16.6 minutes per contest and recording 3.9 points and 3.8 assists. Jones’ career includes four playoff appearances, all with the Memphis Grizzlies, except for his brief tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018. Prior to joining the Mavericks, he spent time with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns. His time with the Magic in 2025 was less successful, as he struggled to secure playing time, averaging just 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 48 games while shooting 34% from the field.#shams_charania #denver_nuggets #utah_jazz #tyus_jones #david_adelman
