Before the NBA Draft, we were unsure if Kenny Goins was going to get a strong shot in the NBA, or if he’d need to work his way up overseas. That question is still unanswered, but it was great to hear the news that he would be getting a Summer League tryout with the Denver Nuggets. With Summer League kicking off this week (and continuing through the 15th of July), let’s take a quick look at the Nuggets’ Summer League roster and how Goins might fit in.
Of course, the big draw at the Nuggets Summer League exhibitions this year will be Michael Porter Jr. The Missouri basketball prospect was considered one of the top NBA prospects in his class but slid to the 14th overall pick due to a back injury.
Former Kentucky star Jarred Vanderbilt will be the next biggest name playing on the team and he will be looking to make a splash after a relatively quiet rookie season.
Bol Bol, whom the Nuggets traded for from the Heat on draft night, will not play in the tournament, I’m assuming because of injury.
Both Vanderbilt and Porter Jr. will be starting in front of Goins, but if the Nuggets are still nursing Porter Jr. back into basketball shape Goins still might be in line for some big minutes off the bench. I expect Goins to perform well in Summer League. Izzo’s players are already communicative defenders and Goins has the benefit of being an older player coming into the league.
The Nuggets play their first game against Phoenix at 8:30pm ET on ESPN.
