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Odds Each Denver Nuggets’ Player Returns Next Season

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) defends against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) defends against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) defends against Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) defends against Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

D.J. Augustin – Age 28 – Unrestricted Free Agent

D.J. Augustin showed his capabilities as a backup behind Mudiay, and given his outside shot and microwave scoring, the point guard would be a great player to have. That said, he is also in line for a raise, meaning that the Nuggets would have to decide between him and the fully guaranteed Jameer Nelson.

There really should be no debate though. Augustin is a good contrast to Mudiay, even though he’s limited. He can play off-ball on offense, but his defense leaves much to be desired. If I had to pick between Augustin and Nelson, I would choose Augustin. The Nuggets gave Nelson a fully guaranteed three-year contract though, so they want to keep him in the fold.

Augustin has a strong ability to create offense in a microwave style. Since the Randy Foye trade (a deal the Nuggets have most certainly won), Augustin has averaged 11.6 points and 4.7 assists on 44.5 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from distance while in a Nuggets uniform.

This may be attributed to small sample size, but Augustin has legitimately created offense ever since arriving in Denver, making him a valuable commodity for any team. The Nuggets already have a backup point guard in Nelson, and Augustin is likely going to command more than $6 million per year on the open market.

The Nuggets are smart though, and committing $10 million or more per year to two players vying for one backup position would not be a smart move. Because of this, I put Augustin’s odds at very slim to return to Denver – 15 Percent.

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