The Denver Nuggets, coming off their 2023 NBA Championship, are entering the 2024-2025 season with high expectations. While stars like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray continue to anchor the team, the Nuggets are also focused on finding and developing new talent to maintain their competitive edge in the long run. One such player drawing attention is undrafted rookie Trey Alexander, who has shown flashes of potential during the preseason.
Trey Alexander, a native of Oklahoma City, made his name during his college career at Creighton University. Over three seasons with the Creighton Bluejays, Alexander demonstrated his versatility as a guard, averaging 12.9 points per game on 44.2% shooting from the field. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor was highlighted by his 85 starts in 107 games and his defensive prowess, which translated into a respectable average of one steal per game. While Alexander went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Nuggets saw enough potential in him to sign him to a one-year deal.
Denver’s scouting department has a history of identifying undervalued talent, and the signing of Alexander reflects the organization’s continued commitment to finding diamonds in the rough. The Nuggets have been known to develop such players into key contributors, a path they hope Alexander can follow.
The NBA Summer League was the first stage where Trey Alexander caught the attention of Denver’s coaching staff and fans alike. His ability to handle the ball, score, and make plays for his teammates showcased the skill set that had made him a standout at Creighton. Though his performance in the Summer League was promising, it’s the preseason where Alexander has started to carve out a potential role with the Nuggets.
In the preseason, Alexander played in all of Denver’s games, averaging nine points and three assists in contests where he logged over 10 minutes. His shooting percentage was a decent 37.7%, and while he did make some mistakes, his overall performance showed promise. Perhaps his most impressive game came against the Boston Celtics, where his contributions went beyond the box score. He made key defensive plays, moved the ball effectively, and showed confidence in a system that requires discipline and execution.
Despite his encouraging preseason, Alexander still faces significant challenges in earning a spot in the Nuggets’ rotation. Denver is a deep and talented team, particularly in the backcourt, where players like Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Reggie Jackson are firmly established. Additionally, young talents like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are also vying for minutes, making it difficult for Alexander to see significant playing time, especially early in the season.
However, Alexander’s potential is undeniable. His combination of size (6’4″) and skill gives him the versatility to play both guard positions, which could make him a valuable asset off the bench. To earn consistent minutes, he will need to continue developing his decision-making and reduce turnovers, areas that were highlighted as weaknesses during the preseason.
While it’s unlikely that Trey Alexander will play a major role for the Nuggets during the regular season’s opening stretch, his preseason performance has proven that he can compete at the NBA level. As with many undrafted rookies, the key to his success will be patience, continued hard work, and making the most of any opportunities that come his way.
Denver has a strong track record of developing players, and under the guidance of head coach Michael Malone and a seasoned roster, Alexander could find himself in a favorable position to grow. The Nuggets’ long-term focus, particularly after winning the 2023 NBA Championship, is to sustain success by building a strong core of both established stars and emerging talents.
For now, Trey Alexander is a work in progress, but the early signs suggest that Denver may have once again struck gold with an underrated prospect. If Alexander can continue to build on his preseason performance, he could become a valuable contributor for a Nuggets team looking to defend its title and secure a place as one of the NBA’s elite for years to come.
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