The Denver Nuggets have officially added rookie forward Bryce Hopkins to their roster on a two-way contract this week. This move comes as the team enjoys strong recent form, having won their last five games, including a 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the deal allows Hopkins to move between the NBA and the G League.
What is Bryce Hopkins' basketball background?
Hopkins enters the NBA after his final NCAA season at St. John's. He started all 37 games for the Red Storm in the 2025-26 season, shooting a career-high 46.9 percent from the field. His averages were 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Before St. John's, he spent three seasons at Providence. Hopkins began his college career at Kentucky, coming off the bench for 28 games. Across 115 total NCAA games, he averaged 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three-point range.
The Nuggets selected him with the 49th overall pick in the NBA Draft. His draft stock had slipped into the late second round, but Denver saw value. Hopkins will now get a chance to develop with extended playing time in the G League.
Where does Hopkins fit on the Nuggets' roster?
The Nuggets' starting lineup for the new season looks fairly set. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun are projected to start in the backcourt. Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon are the likely starters at the forward positions, with Nikola Jokic at center.
As a two-way rookie, Hopkins begins his professional career deep on the depth chart. He is listed behind Cam Johnson at small forward, alongside Alpha Diallo and Spencer Jones. At power forward, he's behind Aaron Gordon in a group that includes Trevon Brazile, Julian Strawther, and Marvin Bagley.
This structure means Hopkins' primary development will occur with the G League affiliate. But his two-way deal gives him a clear path to the main roster when needed. You can view the full team roster on our [squad](/squad) page.
What's next for the Denver Nuggets?
The team is building momentum with a perfect 5-0 record in its last five outings. Integrating a new player like Hopkins adds depth for the long NBA season. His two-way status provides roster flexibility without committing a standard contract spot immediately.
For Hopkins, the immediate focus is on impressing coaches in training camp and the preseason. Strong G League performances could earn him a call-up, especially if injuries affect the frontcourt. The Nuggets' recent winning run, detailed on our [stats](/stats) page, shows a team in good rhythm as they prepare for the new campaign.
His journey from Kentucky to Providence, then St. John's, and finally to Denver is complete. Now the real work begins for the 23-year-old forward trying to carve out an NBA career.
