The Nuggets have had a lot of great, surprising performances this season from players who were forced to step up due to some type of injury. Some of them, like Peyton Watson, have made big leaps to ensure they have rotation players. Still, there were also small jumps, which probably didn’t have much impact in the grand scheme of things, but Jalen Pickett’s growth this season was definitely huge.
Pickett has been in and out of the rotation and is used sparingly at best when everyone is healthy, but he can always jump into backup point guard minutes. And that’s exactly what he’s provided this year, and whether it’s a five-minute stretch off the bench one night or starting and playing 35 minutes the next day, he’s committed to the task.
And when teams fill that end of the bench, that’s what they’re looking for. When Pickett was brought to the team, there was no idea he was going to replace Jamal Murray or become a superstar. The idea is to be ready when asked.
He was called up frequently this season and responded admirably. He’s proven to his coaches, teammates and front office that he can energize a team off the bench, and he’ll be happy to step in if the situation calls for it in a big game.
It’s about Zach Lowe and Mo Dakil. They broke up on a recent episode of the Zach Lowe Podcastexplains that when Pickett had to be released to the coaching staff, it gave him a valuable data point when he performed so well.
Pickett proves Nuggets don’t need another point guard
If there was a hole on this Nuggets roster entering the season, it was at the backup point guard position. Russell Westbrook took on the role last year, but the team went in a completely different direction in the offseason, and no one other than Pickett could lay claim to the job.
Pickett won’t be Murray’s full-time one-on-one backup, as has traditionally been the case. They’ve relied on players like Bruce Brown and point guards, multiple Capalbee bigs and wings by committee, and players who can handle and playmake.
Still, it’s good to know there’s a capable point guard on the bench in a pinch. Pickett has shown he can score, create his own shot and hit threes, which is a huge boon for the offense. Michael Malone was very hesitant to trust young players like Pickett this past season, but David Adelman has given them a chance and they always reciprocate his trust.
It’s hard to say that Calvin Booth has been completely vindicated this season, but he’s certainly been much better than Malone so far.