Spencer Jones Remains the Nuggets’ Unsung Hero

Jones’ biggest contribution, though, isn’t his scoring at all. It’s his defensive tenacity and all-around hustle.

Despite playing under 23 minutes a game, Jones still manages to average just under a steal and upwards of three rebounds a game. His defense has allowed him to start in 35 games. All year long, they’ve put him on some of the best scorers in the league.

Additionally, Jones adds so much to the team that the stats don’t always show.

He’s consistently diving after loose balls, deflecting passes, and fighting for offensive rebounds. He seems to earn the Nuggets several extra possessions per game, which can at times be the difference between a win and a loss. Plus, coach David Adelman has already demonstrated that he trusts Jones in the biggest moments.

Some Nuggets fans figured that once Denver became fully healthy, Jones would lose his spot in the rotation. However, Adelman has seemingly confirmed the exact opposite.

With Johnson, Braun, and Gordon back in the starting lineup, Jones has still been getting consistent run. Since the group returned this month, Jones has still been averaging about 20 minutes a game.

Not only has he been playing, though, but he’s been relied upon when it matters most.

Coach Adelman’s Ace

In a game against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on March 9, Adelman had Jones in at the end of the game. Not only that, but he had him guarding reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the final moments.

Although Jones forced him into a very difficult shot, SGA made it, and the Denver Nuggets lost.

Then, not even a week later, the Nuggets were playing the Los Angeles Lakers in a game that went down to the wire. Just like Gilgeous-Alexander, six-time All-Star Luka Doncic nailed a game-winner despite a great contest from Jones.

In a unique and yet powerful moment after both game-winners, Jones took to LinkedIn about getting back-to-back game-winners made on him.

However, looking at the deeper picture, this went beyond the post or the game results. It shows how much Adelman trusts him. Not to mention, Jones defended both of those shots about as well as anyone could.

It just so happens that SGA and Doncic, two of the league’s best, were able to knock them down.

With the playoffs around the corner, the Nuggets will need all the defensive help they can get. Jones provides plenty of it.

Not only can he guard the best wings and guards in the league, but he can also play down low. With everyone just now returning, Coach Adelman has been experimenting with new lineups. Against the Suns on Tuesday, Adelman had Jones at backup center, and he was more than holding his own.

Role Reduction?

With Watson now back in the lineup, fans expected Spencer Jones to see a further reduction. Instead, Adelman continues to find ways to get him involved. Plus, with his defensive tenacity, he will likely find more ways to get on the court in big moments, just like he’s done all year.

Not to mention, the Nuggets will likely be unable to bring back Watson next year due to his projected price tag. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones is only in his second year in the league. So, he could continue to grow in the next few years, filling Watson’s role and developing into a premier NBA role player.

Teams win championships with more than just stars. They also need surrounding pieces, too.

With his efficiency, hustle, and lockdown defense, Spencer Jones, despite being an unexpected contributor, could provide exactly what the Denver Nuggets need to get back to the promised land.