Denver Nuggets Head Coach David Adelman Explains Big Lineup Strategy

Both of the Denver Nuggets wins to start the NBA season have come against the New Orleans Pelicans, and in both games head coach David Adelman leaned on a big lineup that utilized rookie power forward Trevon Brazile at the small forward position. Denver entered Friday's NBA Cup opener in Phoenix with a 2-2 record, with the coaching staff looking at how to utilize this tall group while waiting for injured players to return.

The idea for the oversized lineup first originated during a comeback win against New Orleans on October 24. At the start of the fourth quarter, Adelman placed Brazile at the three, power forward Aaron Gordon at the four, and power forward Marvin Bagley III at the five. According to the Denver Post, lineups pairing Gordon and Brazile together outscored the Pelicans by 20 points over the final 17 minutes of the contest.

Adelman explained the reasoning behind the tactical choice prior to a matchup against Golden State. "At the half we talked and said, either if DeMar DeRozan's got it going, he can close; if not, we can go super-big," Adelman stated, as reported by Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. The coach noted that the staff felt Brazile could handle specific defensive matchups as a small forward against New Orleans, though such a role would not suit him against every opponent.

That opponent-specific approach proved crucial, as Adelman did not view the Golden State Warriors as a favorable matchup for the oversized rotation. Instead, rookie small forward Bryce Hopkins made his second consecutive start against Golden State, while the pairing of Brazile and Gordon saw barely any action. Golden State ultimately won that encounter 134-114.

Adelman immediately returned to the large lineup when the schedule matched Denver against New Orleans for a second time. Brazile earned his first career start, and the team opened the game with a commanding 27-13 run during an eight-minute stretch featuring Brazile, Gordon, and center Nikola Jokic together in the frontcourt. Denver never trailed on their way to a 104-91 victory, with Brazile contributing 11 points and eight rebounds.

This measured handling of the rotation allows the coaching staff to give a rookie meaningful minutes without exposing him to difficult matchups. Furthermore, veteran forward Aaron Gordon has expressed support for the younger players, indicating strong locker room trust in the tactical plan. The larger grouping also addresses point guard Jamal Murray's desire for improved aggressiveness on the glass.

The rotation question could face additional adjustments with power forward Cameron Johnson considered questionable due to a right ankle sprain. If Johnson returns to the floor, Adelman will gain more options on the wing, potentially shifting the lineup once again. Until then, the coaching staff is expected to continue evaluating opponents on a game-by-game basis as Brazile fights to maintain his role in the rotation.