The Denver Nuggets have finalized a roster move ahead of the regular season, signing guard Ryan Nembhard to a two-way contract and waiving KJ Simpson to create space. This decision comes as the Nuggets build momentum, having just defeated the Golden State Warriors 116-93 on March 30 as part of a three-game winning run.
Ryan Nembhard joins the Nuggets after spending his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks. He played in 60 games last year, starting 27 of them. His averages of 6.6 points and 5.3 assists in 19.5 minutes per game highlight his primary skill: playmaking.
The Nuggets have been looking for reliable backup point guard options behind starter Jamal Murray. Nembhard's ability to facilitate offense and create shots for others directly addresses that need. Denver's roster is already loaded with scoring talent, so adding a distributor who can run the offense is a logical fit.
KJ Simpson's time in Denver was brief and limited. He arrived on a two-way contract after a trade from the Charlotte Hornets last season. Simpson appeared in only six games for the Nuggets, averaging 1.2 points and 1.3 assists in just 5.7 minutes per contest.
That minimal role signaled he wasn't part of the team's long-term vision. Simpson had a more substantial opportunity with the Hornets, starting about half of his games there. The decision to waive him clears a two-way contract slot for Nembhard, whom the front office views as having greater potential, particularly as a passer.
This swap leaves the Nuggets' point guard depth chart still relatively thin behind Murray. However, it represents a clear upgrade in a specific skill set. Nembhard is a natural floor general, whereas Simpson was more of a combo guard.
The team's other two-way contract slots are held by rookie Bryce Hopkins and Cam Whitmore, who brings NBA experience averaging 10.5 points per game over three seasons. This move is about quality over quantity, betting that Nembhard's playmaking can have a more immediate impact than Simpson's all-around game.
The Nuggets are entering this period of roster adjustment in strong form. Their recent victory over the Warriors was decisive. Looking at their last five games, the pattern is WWWLW, giving them four wins and just one loss.
Key results in this stretch include a tight 125-123 road win against the Phoenix Suns on March 25 and a dominant 129-93 home victory over the Houston Rockets on March 12. The front office is making this move to bolster the roster while the team is performing well, aiming to stays for a playoff push.
