The Denver Nuggets came into training camp with 15 players on guaranteed contracts who were expected to be locks to make the team and for that simple fact it didn't seem like any of the players on non-guaranteed contracts had a chance to make the roster. Erick Green, one of the players on non-guaranteed deals, has been so impresive this offseason that he may be forcing his way onto the roster despite the contract situation and it may be Nick Johnson who's spot is in danger, according to Rotoworld.
Green was a second round pick by the Utah Jazz in 2013 and played in 43 games for the Nuggets a season ago with limited opportunity and limited success. This preseason though, new head coach Mike Malone has loved what he has seen from the 24 year old point guard and he has reportedly heaped more praise on Green than anyone, according to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post.
In the Nuggets last preseason game Green received plenty of playing time with a lot of the regulars being rested and he was extremely impressive as he scored 16 points, four assists and made all three of his three pointers. Johnson, in the same game, shot just 1-7 from the field and has overall been underwhelming this preseason.
The problem the Nuggets face in this decision is that Johnson's deal is fully guaranteed while Green's deal is not guaranteed at all. If the competition is viewed to be close Johnson will likely get the edge because he will be owed close to $1 million if he were cut while Green would get nothing if he were cut.
The Nuggets are currently just two deep at point guard if they were to cut Green with starter Emmanuel Mudiay and backup Jameer Nelson. On the wings the Nuggets have a lot more depth so cutting Johnson wouldn't hurt them in that sense. Green has clearly outplayed Johnson and certainly deserves a roster spot but the unfortunate thing for him is that this could come down to money. Either way this will be an interesting decision for the Nuggets to have to make as Malone is a big fan of Green but in order to keep him the Nuggets would have to eat more than $800,000 for Johnson.
