Nuggets Notebook: Adelman Embraces Chaos — 5 Bold Lineup Concepts
David Adelman isn’t afraid to get unconventional. “You can’t freak out if it’s ugly,” he emphasized, underscoring his openness to experimenting with Denver’s rotations.
One of the most striking themes from the Nuggets’ preseason was Adelman’s readiness to break the mold — a stark contrast to the rigid patterns that defined Michael Malone’s final seasons. Whether that shift is due to improved depth or a philosophical pivot, the Nuggets are clearly entering a new era. In one recent exhibition quarter, Adelman deployed a supersized lineup with Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic at the three and four, followed by a downsized unit featuring Christian Braun and Spencer Jones as the four and five.
“You’ve got to be OK with trying things for three minutes,” Adelman said, acknowledging the tension between experimentation and the need to win in a competitive Western Conference.
His approach isn’t just curiosity-driven. As he navigates his first full season as head coach, Adelman is preparing Denver to counter Oklahoma City’s versatile, deep roster — a team capable of morphing into any style. Denver, potentially their top challenger, must be equally adaptable.
“I tell the guys, ‘If we throw you in, don’t overthink it. Just play hard. We’ll evaluate afterward,’” Adelman said. “We’re not scripting plays like an NFL team. We have to let them go out there and see what works — even if it looks messy.”
With that spirit in mind, here are five imaginative lineup configurations the Nuggets could explore this season:
Jumbo Package
Watson, Cam Johnson, Gordon, Jokic, Valanciunas
Watson, who served as a de facto point guard in preseason, joins a towering lineup where Gordon and Jokic initiate offense. With three perimeter defenders, two elite shooters, and ample playmaking, this group could feasibly function despite its size. Adelman is especially intrigued by the Jokic–Valanciunas high-low pairing.
Miniature Package
Pickett, Murray, Hardaway Jr., Braun, Watson
Watson shifts to center — a role he briefly held last season. His athleticism makes him a viable rim protector and lob threat. Pickett, though undersized, can relieve Murray of ball-handling duties, allowing him to operate off-ball. The Pickett–Murray duo posted a strong +19.3 net rating last year. Add Hardaway in the corner and Braun in the dunker spot, and you’ve got a compact but functional five. Rebounding? Cross your fingers.
All-Defensive Lineup
Bruce Brown, Braun, Watson, Gordon, Nnaji or Holmes II
Who are Denver’s top defenders — and can they coexist? This switch-heavy unit blends starters and reserves, with Gordon anchoring the frontcourt. Offense may suffer, but Gordon’s past as Orlando’s go-to scorer could help stabilize things.
All-Offense Second Unit
Murray, Strawther, Hardaway Jr., Cam Johnson, Valanciunas
This is Denver’s best scoring bench group without Jokic. Murray and Valanciunas could develop a potent two-man game. Surrounding them are movement shooters like Strawther and Hardaway, plus Johnson as a pick-and-roll threat. Defense? Optional.
Youth + Jokic
Pickett, Strawther, Watson, Holmes II, Jokic
Not radical, but a departure from Denver’s norm. Jokic rarely plays with four bench players, yet he’s expressed interest in mentoring the younger core. This lineup could deepen the rotation and test Holmes’ fit at power forward.
Adelman’s message is clear: don’t panic if it looks strange. The Nuggets are embracing experimentation — and that might be their edge.
