Nuggets' Jameer Nelson: Starts at shooting guard, produces double-double

Nelson moved into the starting lineup at shooting guard Friday and generated season highs with 21 points (8-16 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and 13 assists to go with four rebounds in Friday's 132-129 overtime loss to the Thunder.

Analysis:

With the top two options at shooting guard -- Gary Harris (foot) and Will Barton (personal, ankle) -- both unavailable, Nelson entered the starting five for the third time this season and turned in what was by far his best outing. While Harris is likely looking at a multi-week absence, the Nuggets are still evaluating Barton on a day-to-day basis, so Nelson may only be looking at a short-term appointment to the top unit. Moreover, with backcourt reserve Jamal Murray coming through with 18 or more points in each of his last four games, Nelson may drop down a peg on the depth chart once Barton is back in the fold, so it's probably unwise to drop player in a more stable role in favor of the 34-year-old.