Denver Nuggets May Have Just Found Their Summer League Gem: Undrafted Star Makes Irresistible Case for Full-Time Roster Spot

The NBA Summer League has always been a platform where hidden gems emerge, undrafted hopefuls shine, and front offices recalibrate their scouting evaluations. This year, the Denver Nuggets may have struck gold with one of the most electrifying stories of the offseason—an undrafted player who dominated from the opening tip and left no doubt that he deserves an NBA roster spot.

While most eyes were on lottery picks and second-year standouts, the Nuggets coaching staff and scouts were captivated by a different kind of performance—one built on heart, hustle, and relentless skill. The player in question, whose name began as an afterthought in the Summer League program, turned into one of the most talked-about prospects in Las Vegas. And now, with his rights still available, the Nuggets have a legitimate chance to lock him in.

From the very first game, he looked like he belonged. He brought a fearless attitude to the court, attacking defenses with sharp drives, pulling up confidently from three-point range, and playing defense like a seasoned pro. His presence energized his teammates and drew praise from opposing coaches.

Over five games, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game—efficient, dynamic, and consistent. More importantly, he did this while playing within the flow of the offense, never forcing shots or gambling recklessly on defense. He shot 48% from the field, 41% from three, and showed maturity far beyond his rookie status.

What stood out the most wasn’t just the stat line—it was how he carried himself. He played like someone with something to prove, and his intensity was contagious. The Nuggets staff quickly took notice. Assistant coach Ognjen Stojaković, who led Denver’s Summer League squad, said, “He brought leadership, competitiveness, and just an edge every time he stepped on the floor. Guys fed off his energy.”

Behind closed doors, Denver’s front office is buzzing. Tim Connelly and Calvin Booth are now discussing what many fans are demanding: give this kid a contract.

Denver’s championship window is wide open thanks to their core of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. But to stay on top in the grueling Western Conference, the Nuggets know they must uncover low-cost contributors who can round out the roster. This player may be exactly that.

The Nuggets already boast one of the league’s best development systems. Christian Braun became a key rotation player as a rookie. Peyton Watson flashed elite defensive upside. Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson are poised to break through. But this new Summer League standout has a different aura—less polished coming in, but perhaps more explosive and impactful.

Some scouts have even compared his Summer League performance to what Luguentz Dort did for the Thunder in 2019—coming out of nowhere, playing ferocious defense, and forcing the team’s hand. Dort went on to earn a starting role and signed a multi-year deal. The Nuggets hope this story will follow a similar arc.

Opposing GMs have taken notice too. There are rumblings around the league that several teams are preparing to make offers, but the Nuggets hold an edge: relationships and system fit. Their coaching staff has already built rapport with him. He’s said in interviews that Denver feels like “the right fit” and that he’s learned more in two weeks with the Nuggets than in any previous stretch of his basketball career.

Another major factor is timing. Denver currently has 13 players on standard contracts and at least one two-way slot open. They also have the flexibility to create an Exhibit 10 contract—a one-year minimum deal often used to secure a player’s G League rights and provide bonus incentives.

That type of offer could be a stepping stone, but many believe he’s done enough to earn more. Fans are already flooding Nuggets social media pages, urging the team to keep him. On Reddit, a thread titled “SIGN HIM NOW” has over 3,000 upvotes and a highlight reel has already gone viral, with NBA analysts calling him “the Summer League steal of the year.”

Denver’s coaching staff faces a decision: stick with veteran depth or take a calculated risk on a player whose ceiling might be higher than expected. It’s a delicate balance—roster spots are precious, especially for a team with title aspirations—but every championship team needs that breakout bench spark.

This player’s ability to create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and contribute without needing the ball is rare. He’s shown he can score off the dribble, make the right reads in pick-and-roll situations, and chase down shooters on defense. He even had one game with 5 steals and 3 blocks—a defensive masterclass that left coaches shaking their heads.

It’s that kind of versatility that makes him more than a feel-good story. He’s a legitimate rotational option. And given the Nuggets’ focus on maintaining flexibility under the second tax apron, locking in cheap, productive talent has never been more vital.

His journey to this point is inspiring. After going undrafted, he didn’t pout or blame anyone. Instead, he doubled down on his work ethic. He went through three Summer League tryouts, slept in hotels with roommates, and paid out of pocket for a shooting coach. He watched hours of film on Jalen Brunson and Derrick White, trying to mold his game after guards who win with IQ and toughness rather than flash.

And it worked. Each game this summer, his confidence grew. His basketball IQ popped. In transition, he knew when to attack and when to kick. In half-court sets, he cut without the ball, finding lanes the defense didn’t see. On defense, he communicated constantly, rotated quickly, and took pride in every possession.

Veterans who trained with the team during the summer noticed, too. Jamal Murray reportedly told a staffer, “He’s a dog. We need guys like that.”

The only question now is: will Denver make the move? The decision is likely coming soon. Other teams will undoubtedly push hard, but the Nuggets are in the driver’s seat. The relationship is strong, the fit is clear, and the fan base is ready.

If signed, he could start the season as a two-way player but earn his way into the rotation. Given his trajectory, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him crack the playoff roster by spring—especially if injuries or matchups open up opportunities.

In the end, this is what Summer League is all about. Beyond the headlines and the top picks, it’s the stories of overlooked talent breaking through that keep fans watching. For the Nuggets, this player isn’t just a cool story—he might be a future contributor, and maybe even something more.

Denver fans have every reason to be excited. The Nuggets may have just added another key piece to their championship puzzle—and they didn’t even have to draft him.