The rotation trimming has begun, and Nuggets coach Michael Malone is doing his best to stay in constant communication with players to keep them updated on who is doing what.
The Nuggets started Saturday nightap game against the Knicks with a healthy roster for the second consecutive game. That meant Malone had decisions to make on playing time. Unless injuries or foul trouble skews the picture, it appears the Nuggets will go no further than 10 deep in a game.
One of the first conversations Malone had was with . He informed Arthur before the Nuggets’ win over Portland on Thursday that the veteran would not play, “and he receives that with just class,” Malone said.
“The word that Darrell used, and it hits the point, is sacrifice,” Malone said. “Can’t play 15 guys, and Darrell Arthur is a guy thatap proven to be a very good player in this league, but he sacrifices for his team and supports everybody that is playing. So you have to be selfless and support each other along the way.”
Both Arthur and center , who played the first 25 games as the Nuggets’ starting center, have reduced roles. Rookie Juancho Hernangomez is likely to find minutes hard to come by as long as the team stays healthy, as will Alonzo Gee and .
“I’d like to try to get into a little bit of a rhythm with our rotation, starters and guys off the bench,” Malone said. “But we all know in the course of an 82-game season things are going to change. But right now, Nurkic was starting and now has a limited role. Darrell Arthur started three games in a row and didn’t play at all last game.
“We need guys to understand whatever is best for our team, stay ready, stay positive. …The fact of the matter is we have a very deep team with talented players. Thatap what we’re deciding to go with right now.”
Beasley back. The Nuggets recalled Beasley from a two-game D-League assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The rookie guard Beasley averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals. He shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 30.8 percent from the 3-point line.
