David Adelman optimistic Nuggets will be whole for season’s final push

The Nuggets have been juggling injuries all season, but coach David Adelman sounds like he can finally see the light.

Adelman told reporters he’s hopeful Denver can be close to full strength with roughly 20 games left on the schedule. If taken literally, that puts the Nuggets on track to get key rotation pieces back sooner rather than later, possibly within the next couple of weeks.

That starts with Aaron Gordon, who hasn’t played since Jan. 23 due to a right hamstring strain. Adelman said Gordon was active in Tuesday’s practice and did nearly everything short of contact work.

“He got up and down,” Adelman said. “We did some situational defensive drills. He was a part of that. But it’s just gonna be a day-by-day thing. … Aaron’s been great. He’s understood the process.”

Peyton Watson, out since Feb. 4 with a left hamstring strain, is also nearing a reevaluation window in early March. The Nuggets have been cautious with both players, and there’s no sense they plan to rush anything with the postseason in mind.

Denver still has an open spot on its 15-man roster, and league sources suggest the front office would like to add some wing size if the right option shakes loose. But the Nuggets appear content to wait out the buyout market and focus on getting healthy.