DeMar DeRozan gives Nuggets another offensive option off the bench.

The Denver Nuggets added veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan during the offseason, giving the team another proven offensive weapon heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. DeRozan, entering his 18th NBA season, has built a career around his ability to consistently score. He currently ranks 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and could move closer to the top 10 with another productive season. DeRozan needs to average 12.1 points over 82 games to reach 1,000 points for the season. That would give him 27,711 career points and move him to 12th on the league’s all-time scoring list. His role is expected to change in Denver, with DeRozan likely coming off the bench. However, Nuggets head coach David Adelman indicated during media day that the veteran will still have plenty of opportunities to create offense.

Just so everybody knows. You can tell the NBA — I’m going to throw DeRozan the ball a lot,” Adelman said. “He’s going to catch it at the logo, the elbow, the nail. So, we’re going to do that.”

DeRozan has made his name as one of the NBA’s most effective mid-range scorers. While the modern game emphasizes three-point shooting and finishing at the rim, DeRozan has continued to find success from the middle of the floor. He has also developed into a more reliable three-point shooter while adapting his game as his career has progressed. Adelman specifically mentioned getting DeRozan the ball around the elbow and nail, areas where Nikola Jokić also frequently operates. Rather than creating a problem, however, the Nuggets could benefit from having two players capable of running their offense from similar areas.

When Jokić is on the floor, he remains Denver’s primary offensive hub because of his scoring and passing ability. When the two-time MVP sits, DeRozan can provide another experienced player capable of creating his own offense and getting teammates involved. DeRozan has averaged 4.1 assists per game throughout his NBA career, giving Denver another player who can make plays with the ball in his hands. With shooters surrounding him and space available on the floor, DeRozan could give the Nuggets a different offensive look when Jokić is resting. When both players share the court, Denver will have another experienced scorer capable of attacking from the mid-range. The Nuggets are adding a veteran scorer with a proven offensive skill set, and DeRozan’s role could give Denver another way to generate offense throughout the season.