The Denver Nuggets’ No. 21 ranked defense (114.7 defensive rating) has been causing issues for the club all year despite their current 42-24 record and position as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Denver’s three-time league MVP Nikola Jokić has offered one of the greatest all-around seasons in the history of the sport in 2024-25, averaging 28.9 points, 13.0 rebounds and 10.5 assists while shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.0% from the three-point line, but the team’s obvious defensive struggles may ultimately hold the group back from raising the Larry O’Brien trophy for the second time in three seasons.
In order to correct these issues, it’s plausible that the Nuggets’ general manager Calvin Booth could scour the free agency market this summer to find a specialist that would change the complexion of their defensive identity.
Fortunately for Booth, the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 NBA champion and explosive two-way guard Gary Payton II will become available by season’s end as an unrestricted free agent.
If Booth were to hypothetically add Payton II to the Nuggets’ roster, it’s possible that he could lead the charge for a complete turnaround on the defensive side of the ball in 2025-26.
Payton II has developed a well-earned reputation as one of the league’s most fearsome perimeter defenders due to his mix of agility and athleticism while possessing a long and strong 6-foot-2 frame.
Though he could be labeled undersized, the 32-year-old high-flier tends to play above the rim as an excellent rim-runner and shot-blocker.
In his ninth season, Payton II has contributed 6.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 steals while shooting a ridiculous 57.1% from the field. On the defensive end, he’s displayed continued excellence by posting a 110 defensive rating per 100 possessions and a sensational 1.6 defensive box plus-minus.
As a prospective addition for Denver, Payton II could be a perfect player to pair with star scorer Jamal Murray in the backcourt as a trusted stopper that would match up with the opposing team’s best perimeter player on a nightly basis.
Thanks to his incredible strength and leaping gifts, he could also potentially be involved in interesting sets by acting as a screener for Jokić when he handles the ball at the top of the key.
With Payton II joining the Nuggets in this fantasy scenario, the franchise would likely be better positioned to compete for a championship in 2025-26, especially while Jokić is in the midst of what could be the greatest offensive peak for a player in NBA history.
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