From Benchwarmer to Breakout Star? NBA Executive Tips Former Nuggets Forward for a Stellar Season

Whispers across the league are growing louder, and they all point to one name—a former Denver Nuggets forward who, according to a veteran NBA executive, is poised for a breakout season that could turn heads from coast to coast. While the spotlight in the NBA often shines on superstars and lottery picks, the league has a long history of late bloomers and under-the-radar players who rise from obscurity to relevance. This could be the year another name is added to that list, as this once-overlooked forward stands on the brink of his best season yet.

The player in question may not have commanded headlines during his time in Denver, but that doesn’t mean he lacked talent. Drafted into a deep and competitive Nuggets roster, he found limited opportunities to showcase his full skill set. With minutes hard to come by on a team loaded with experienced talent and championship aspirations, his role was often restricted to short bursts off the bench, often during garbage time or in less crucial matchups. But those who watched closely could see the flashes—glimpses of what he could become if given the right environment and the confidence of a coaching staff willing to let him play through his mistakes.

According to a front office executive from the Eastern Conference, this former Nugget has all the tools necessary to emerge as a key contributor this coming season. “I think people are going to be surprised,” the executive said. “He’s strong, athletic, and has been working hard on both ends of the floor. He’s just needed the right opportunity, and now I think he’s finally in a position to get it.”

Opportunity. That’s the key word here. In the NBA, talent alone isn’t always enough. There are dozens of players with the physical gifts and basketball IQ to succeed, but only a select few find themselves in the right system at the right time. This player, after bouncing around in a limited role, now finds himself in a new situation—a team that sees value in his potential and appears ready to invest the time and trust in his development.

Reports from offseason workouts are encouraging. Teammates have noted his improved conditioning and expanded offensive repertoire, particularly his ability to stretch the floor with a more reliable jump shot. Defensively, he’s always been solid—willing to take on tough assignments and quick enough laterally to switch onto multiple positions. Now, with added confidence and an expected increase in minutes, he could flourish in a way he never quite had the chance to in Denver.

His journey so far hasn’t been easy, and that might be the biggest reason some believe he’s ready to break through. There’s something about adversity that forges a tougher player, one who doesn’t take minutes for granted and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Every game is a chance to prove he belongs, and it’s clear he’s treating it that way.

It’s also worth considering the timing. With several teams in the midst of retooling their rosters, and with injuries always playing a part in how rotations shake out, there’s a window of opportunity for hungry, fringe rotation players to rise. Coaches are constantly looking for spark plugs off the bench—players who bring energy, hustle, and, ideally, scoring. If this ex-Nugget can provide two of those three consistently, he might just carve out a meaningful role for himself.

Another factor in his favor? Versatility. At 6’8” with a strong frame and improving ball-handling, he can play both forward spots and, in small-ball lineups, even log minutes as a small-ball center. That kind of flexibility is invaluable in today’s NBA, where positions are increasingly fluid and the ability to guard multiple spots is a prerequisite for playing time. He’s already shown flashes of being a switchable defender, and with the right coaching and continued development, he could evolve into a genuine two-way threat.

What’s especially intriguing is the possibility that this season becomes not just a breakout, but a launching pad. Players who finally get their shot and make the most of it often find themselves in a drastically different situation the following year—more minutes, bigger roles, and in some cases, life-changing contracts. It’s not hard to imagine this player following in the footsteps of others who took the long road to NBA success—guys like Jerami Grant, who developed quietly in his early years before blossoming into a legitimate scoring option and key piece on competitive teams.

Of course, expectations need to be tempered. A breakout season doesn’t mean All-Star appearances or leading a team in scoring. Sometimes, it just means becoming a reliable rotation piece, someone coaches trust and teammates depend on. But even that level of ascension would be a huge win for a player who’s spent much of his early NBA career fighting for relevance.

The league is watching. Scouts have taken notice. And now, the broader NBA world is beginning to hear the buzz. If the executive’s prediction proves correct, we may be talking about this former Nugget in a much different light by midseason. He may go from a “Who’s that?” to a “How did he fall through the cracks?” seemingly overnight. But those who’ve followed his journey closely will know—it wasn’t overnight at all. It was years of grinding, waiting, improving, and believing.

This upcoming season could redefine his career. There are storylines every year in the NBA that catch fans and analysts off guard, players who force their way into the narrative through sheer performance. He’s betting on himself to be one of those stories. And judging by what we’re hearing behind the scenes, he’s not the only one.

Whether he turns into a reliable sixth man, a valuable 3-and-D contributor, or even more, remains to be seen. But what’s clear is this: he’s ready. And in a league where opportunity can be fleeting, readiness is everything.

The ball is in his court now—literally and figuratively. And if he delivers, the same executive who saw it coming might not be alone in saying, “I told you so.”