Nuggets Opened Training Camp in Boulder
The Denver Nuggets held their first training camp session at the CU Events Center to start the 2026 season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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The Denver Nuggets kicked off their training camp on September 29, 2026, at the CU Events Center. The team enters the new season looking to improve upon their 21st-place finish in defensive rating from last year.
Why it matters
The team aims to bolster their performance after a season plagued by injuries and defensive inconsistencies. Coaches Dave Joerger and Jared Dudley have joined the staff to implement offensive adjustments, while veterans are refining their routines to improve game availability.
Aaron Gordon enters his 13th NBA season having played only 87 of 164 regular-season games over the last two years. The Nuggets are working to improve from their 21st-place finish in defensive rating during the previous season.
The players
Aaron Gordon
He is a 31-year-old veteran entering his 13th NBA season who has modified his training regimen to combat persistent lower-body injuries.
Dave Joerger
He is a veteran coach who joined the Nuggets staff to provide fresh offensive concepts for the team.
Cam Whitmore
He is the youngest player at the current training camp and was selected 20th overall in the 2023 NBA draft.
Jared Dudley
He serves as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets team.
The details
Aaron Gordon has adopted a new physical maintenance routine involving extended warm-ups and cool-downs to prevent recurring hamstring and calf strains. The team also integrated new coaching staff members Dave Joerger and Jared Dudley to help revitalize the offensive strategy.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Media day was held for the Denver Nuggets.
September 29, 2026: The first day of training camp took place.
October 4, 2026: The team is scheduled to play their first preseason game.
Season Trajectory
This training camp serves as the foundational period for the team to address the 21st-place defensive rating they recorded last season. The successful integration of new coaching staff and veteran injury management will dictate their ability to climb in the competitive Western Conference standings.
Fans should monitor the rotation minutes for Cam Whitmore as he gains experience in his young career. The increased focus on Aaron Gordon's health routine is critical for the team's stability, given his history of missing games over the past two seasons.
The takeaway
Proactive injury management for veteran players like Aaron Gordon is essential for maintaining team depth throughout a long season. Investing in specialized coaching staff represents a strategic effort to overcome previous performance plateaus.
What happens next
The Denver Nuggets are scheduled to play their first preseason game on October 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the roster and team preparations, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
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