Denver Nuggets: Must they choose between Monte Morris and Isaiah Thomas?

The Denver Nuggets have exceeded expectations in 2018-19, thanks to Monte Morris and the improved bench. What happens to the rotation when Isaiah Thomas returns?

In a splashy 2018 offseason move, the Denver Nuggets inked Isaiah Thomas to a one-year veteran’s minimum contract. Just 17 months ago, Isaiah Thomas nearly nabbed himself an MVP award with the Boston Celtics. Now he sports the Mile High blue and gold.

The relationship was envisioned as mutually beneficial. Thomas would help Denver reach the playoffs, as the Nuggets pushed Thomas toward his next big contract. So far though, he has yet to see the court due to a nagging hip injury.

The delay has been painful for Nuggets fans, most of whom loved this low-risk, high-reward signing. When will the Nuggets be joined by Thomas? The anticipation only heightens the exuberance of an already sensational season.

Per Harrison Wind of BSN, Nuggets coach Mike Malone won’t commit to a timetable just yet:

"“It’s day-by-day,” Malone said of how they evaluate Thomas. “We haven’t put a timeline out there from the get-go… When he comes back we’re going to make sure he’s ready to come back and play and play at a high level.”"

But according to Rotoworld, Isaiah Thomas could possibly make his Nuggets debut in December.

"“There have been whispers of IT2 potentially returning to the court by December, but the Nuggets are in no rush to bring him back.”"

Meanwhile, the Nuggets have surpassed expectations so far. Checking in at 14-7, they have the second-best record in the Western Conference and trail only the…Los Angeles Clippers? This year’s league is certainly full of surprises, isn’t it?

Much of Denver’s success can be credited to spectacular bench play. Turning the tide from last year, the second unit now serves as an asset. The biggest change in the Nuggets’ bench has been the promotion of Monte Morris.

Signed to fill the 15th roster spot, Morris has instead led the second unit with 23.9 minutes per game. He’s averaging 8.7 points, 4.2 assists and just 0.5 turnovers while shooting 40.5 percent from deep. Morris boasts an incredible 8-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, good for second-best in the league, per NBA.com.

Joel Rush of Forbes wrote an in-depth analysis piece on Monte Morris’ play thus far. He believes Morris can be a very effective point guard in this league:

"“But for the time being, and for Denver’s long-term prospects at point guard, the Nuggets can take solace that president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has found yet another diamond in the rough, as the 51st pick in the 2017 draft appears to be well on his way to not only a solid career as an NBA rotation player, but one in which the ceiling appears to be rising to the level of potential future starter.”"

So for the Nuggets, what will it be? They can’t possibly bench Morris after this second unit revival, but Thomas is a recent MVP candidate. He must play, simple as that.

Fortunately, the Nuggets may not have to choose. An effective bench unit thus far combines Morris and Jamal Murray in the backcourt. In this lineup, Murray moves to shooting guard, while Morris runs the point. Creativity like this could provide ample minutes for all three point guards.

Murray is a better scorer than facilitator, as is Thomas. Playing extended minutes with a natural point guard (Morris) actually works well for each. Both Thomas and Murray should see time at the 2-guard. Therefore, all three “point guards” will continue receiving ample court time.

If Denver juggles the moving parts correctly, the league has much to fear. Watch out, Golden State Warriors!