Tyson benched, Nuggets player ejected as Denver loses again

The Denver Nuggets lost their third Summer League game 101-97 to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, blowing a halftime lead and remaining winless. Turnovers (24) were a major factor in the loss.

More notably, forward Hunter Tyson was benched after two poor performances where he shot 9-for-28. Tyson, a 2023 second-round pick on the final year of his rookie contract (with a club option for 2026-27), has struggled to make an impact during his time with the Nuggets despite making the 2023 Summer League First Team. His poor Summer League showing raises questions about his future with the team.

While a bad Summer League isn't necessarily career-ending (Jalen Pickett improved significantly after a brutal performance last year and earned backup minutes), Tyson's situation is precarious. The Nuggets now have an open roster spot and an open two-way slot. With the executive who drafted him (Calvin Booth) gone, and the team likely to use the roster spot on a veteran free agent, Tyson could be cut.

Rookie DaRon Holmes II, the other Nuggets player on an NBA contract participating in Summer League, had a solid game with a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds), two steals, and two made three-pointers.