Nuggets Guard Opens Up About Unexpected Role

As they prepare for a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals, Jackson was asked about his role during the season. The 34-year-old Colorado native made it clear that he never really foresaw himself playing heavy minutes with Denver.

He just stepped up while Murray was sidelined for 23 games.

“No, definitely not,” Jackson says of expecting a large in-season role.

“We’ve got one of the best point guards in the league,” he continues. “Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the healthiest season for him, so just happy to step up and do my part.”

The Nuggets May Need More Out of Him

In the series against the Timberwolves, the Nuggets may find that they need Jackson more than they did against the Lakers.

Boasting the No. 1 defense in the league during regular season, Minnesota’s physical defense will wear on Murray. Though two-time MVP Nikola Jokic has had three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert’s number for a couple of years, the latter won’t be giving up many easy points. The height differential that Michael Porter Jr. often has on his jumpers will be negated in a matchup with 7-footer Karl-Anthony Towns. In short, Denver needs to have as many viable offensive options as possible.

During the regular season, Jackson was unable to get it going against the Timberwolves. In four games, he averaged 6.3 points per game on a .382 true shooting percentage. However, he found other ways to be impactful, dishing out 5.5 assists per game. A crafty ball-handler with great timing and vision, particularly in the pick-and-roll, Jackson can create plenty of easy points for his teammates with his playmaking.