PJ Dozier doesn’t say much, but he is always watching.
When he found himself wandering around the base line in the first half of Wednesday’s season opener, he was not out of place. Instead, acting as the small ball striker while JaMychal Green tended to a calf injury, he was imitating the game of veteran striker Paul Millsap.
“I am a very observant player,” said Dozier. “I watch Paul, I watch the positions he is in, especially when he is on the court with Nikola (Jokić). These two meet a lot. ”
Dozier did not have Jokic’s assistance, but his positioning gave him a direct line to the basket after a Gary Harris jump pass. It has become an e-1 opportunity.
At the start of the game, he took Kings striker Marvin Bagley Jr. from the jump for a smooth reverse layup. Both buckets came with Dozier, theoretically, playing out of position.
For Nuggets coach Michael Malone, this is intentional. Dozier, who made his name as a defensive player in last year’s postseason, was a standout on the training ground. In a loaded defense court, filled with stars, stars and fast-twitching athletes, Dozier stood out for his consistency and willingness to play anywhere on the court.
“He’s my knife from South Carolina,” said Malone in reference to Dozier’s home state. “PJ is versatile, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s a basketball player who handles the ball, facilitates and plays. Today’s NBA, (is) more and more basketball without position, if you want. ”
In 14 minutes off the bench, Dozier had seven points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks on his debut. As useful as the 1.80 m high combo guard was, the offensive impact means nothing if you are a defensive defect. That’s where Dozier became loved by Malone. Skillfully playing anywhere from point guard to forward, he apparently solidified a place in the rotation.
“I never played in that position at this level, so it was an experience for me,” said Dozier of his debut as an NBA striker.
It is very simple for him. The more useful you are to your team, the more likely Malone is to call your name. More than that, Dozier has had three franchises since his debut in the NBA, during the 2017-2018 season. Versatility means value.
In defense, he speaks Malone’s language.
“It is a matter of pride,” he said. “You will protect the person in front of you and you will make sure that you are protecting your brother whenever he needs it. When you have this mindset, you are often in the right position. ”
Dozier does not discriminate when it comes to his preparation. Before Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers – the same team that collapsed against Denver, despite a 3-1 lead during last season’s playoffs – Dozier said he prepared for all his stars, regardless of assignment.
“Even if I am not compatible with Paul (George) or Kawhi (Leonard), I still have to know his trends,” he said. “You may not be matched, but it is nothing for you to be matched with them in the transition or on a switch.”
This is the attitude that Malone and Dozier’s teammates fell in love with.
“I really appreciate what PJ brings to the table and how versatile he is,” said Malone.