Nuggets seemingly have already figured out bench bunch

The Nuggets changed much of their bench during the offseason. It doesn’t look like it’ll take them long to figure out what the new one looks like.

During a starters-vs.-reserves scrimmage at training camp, Denver’s second unit featured DeMar DeRozan, Julian Strawther, Alpha Diallo, Spencer Jones and Marvin Bagley III, as Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated writes.

Nothing in October is permanent, of course. But coach David Adelman has already provided some clues. Most notably, Bagley appears ticketed for center.

“As a five right now,” Adelman said when asked about the former No. 2 overall pick’s position, adding that he views Bagley as a “traditional five.”

Diallo may be playing his way into a role, too. The 29-year-old spent his professional career overseas before joining Denver and was named EuroLeague Best Defender last season. Adelman has quickly noticed why.

“He can guard,” Adelman said. “I mean, he’s got special skill. He doesn’t get screened.”

That could be vital for a Nuggets team that finished 21st defensively last season. Denver kept its starting group together but overhauled the supporting cast, adding DeRozan, Bagley and Diallo while losing several familiar reserves.

It’s two days into camp. Nobody needs to laminate the depth chart yet, but we’re beginning to see what Adelman has in mind.