The Denver Nuggets have been making significant moves during the 2023 NBA preseason as they prepare to defend their 2023 NBA Championship title. After a closely contested preseason match against the Boston Celtics, the Nuggets made the decision to adjust their training camp roster by signing three new players—Will Richardson, Andrew Funk, and Charles Bediako—each of whom brings unique skills to the team. These signings are pivotal for the Nuggets as they seek to solidify their depth and explore new talent in preparation for the upcoming NBA season.
The Nuggets faced off against the Boston Celtics in a thrilling preseason game that came down to the wire. With just seconds left on the clock, Boston’s Jayson Tatum missed a crucial shot that could have tied the game, allowing the Nuggets to walk away with a victory. The contest served as a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to assess both returning players and new talent under competitive conditions.
Despite the win, the Nuggets chose to make roster adjustments shortly after, releasing three players from their training camp roster. These moves signaled the team’s commitment to refining its lineup and ensuring that only the best-suited players remain as the season draws closer.
After releasing three players, the Nuggets wasted no time in signing three fresh faces to their training camp roster: Will Richardson, Andrew Funk, and Charles Bediako. While these players are relatively unknown at the NBA level, they each possess a blend of skills that could make them valuable assets to the team if developed correctly.
Will Richardson, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, is a guard who comes to the Nuggets after spending time with the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G-League affiliate. Richardson went undrafted out of Oregon, where he had a solid four-year collegiate career. At Oregon, he showcased his all-around abilities, averaging 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while maintaining shooting splits of 46% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 76% from the free-throw line.
Richardson’s strength lies in his versatility. He has proven that he can both score and facilitate, which could make him a useful piece for the Nuggets if he continues to develop his game. His defensive abilities, as indicated by his 1.2 steals per game during his college career, could be particularly valuable for a Denver team looking to maintain defensive integrity while improving its bench depth.
Andrew Funk is another 6-foot-5 guard who joins the Nuggets after a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Funk made his name in college basketball, first at Bucknell and then at Penn State, where he solidified himself as a reliable perimeter threat. In his final season at Penn State, Funk averaged 12.5 points per game, shooting an impressive 44% from the field and 41% from three-point range.
Funk’s shooting ability is something that can significantly benefit the Nuggets, who thrive on spacing and perimeter scoring. With the rise of players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, adding more shooting depth could be crucial, especially during the grueling regular season. Although Funk has yet to establish himself in the NBA, his performance in college, coupled with his short time in the G-League, suggests he has the potential to contribute as a specialist off the bench.
Charles Bediako, a 7-foot center, rounds out the trio of signings. Known for his defensive prowess, Bediako made a name for himself as a shot-blocker and interior defender during his time at the University of Alabama. In his sophomore season, Bediako averaged 1.8 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and anchor a defense.
For the Nuggets, who already boast strong frontcourt players like Nikola Jokić, Bediako could serve as a valuable backup center who provides rim protection and rebounding. His size and athleticism could help the team maintain defensive intensity, especially when Jokić is on the bench. While Bediako’s offensive game remains a work in progress, his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities make him an intriguing prospect for the Nuggets’ coaching staff to work with.
The signings of Richardson, Funk, and Bediako reflect the Denver Nuggets’ broader strategy of focusing on player development and building a deep, well-rounded roster. As reigning NBA champions, the Nuggets understand that maintaining depth is critical, especially over the course of an 82-game regular season and a deep playoff run.
While stars like Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. will continue to carry the load for the team, the ability to rely on a strong supporting cast will be crucial in sustaining success. Training camp offers these new signings the chance to prove themselves, and even if they do not make the final roster, they could become valuable assets in the Nuggets’ G-League system or future trade opportunities.
As the Nuggets move closer to the start of the regular season, the competition for roster spots will intensify. Head coach Michael Malone will have the challenging task of balancing veteran leadership with the development of young talent. The team’s ultimate goal is clear: to defend their championship and continue building a roster capable of sustaining success for years to come.
The addition of Will Richardson, Andrew Funk, and Charles Bediako demonstrates Denver’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent that fits the team’s culture of hard work, versatility, and defensive tenacity. If these players can make an impact, they could find themselves as key contributors in the Nuggets’ pursuit of another championship title.
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