Apr 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) reacts to a three-point shot during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

'They’re Getting a Starter for Like Dirt Cheap Money' – Denver Nuggets’ New Guard Could Play as Key Replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 6:58 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets bolstered Nikola Jokic’s supporting cast with their shrewd acquisitions this offseason. After trading Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-rounder for Cameron Johnson , the team added Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas.

According to SI’s Chris Mannix, the addition of Hardaway was particularly important since the 33-year-old guard can serve as a replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was a vital cog of the 2023 championship team.

“Tim Hardaway Jr… I feel like they’re getting a starter for like, dirt cheap money. No, they’re not the same guy. But I can see Tim Hardaway Jr. camping out in the corner the way KCP did for Denver, and playing the same kind of role for them,” Mannix explained.

Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Hardaway is coming off a productive year with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 40.6 percent shooting from the field across 77 regular season appearances.

Former Denver Nuggets star professes love for the team during Hall of Fame speech

Carmelo Anthony gave a huge shoutout to the Denver Nuggets during his Hall of Fame speech last weekend. The 10-time NBA All-Star played the first seven years of his NBA career with them before he transferred to the New York Knicks in the 2010-11 campaign.

Apr. 13, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“You gave me keys as a 19-year-old kid. You let me grow, fall, fly, and become the man standing here today. Denver was where I learned the weight of the league. Where I learned the value of sacrifice and the beauty of team. To the Mile High City, you will always be a part of my foundation,” Anthony said.

Anthony led the Denver Nuggets once to the Western Conference Finals during his tenure, eventually losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. He averaged 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals on 45.9 percent shooting across 564 regular appearances with the team.