Nuggets Convert Spencer Jones, Secure Key Rotation Piece for Playoffs

The undrafted wing out of Stanford has been a surprise contributor for Denver this season.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets have secured a rotation piece for the playoffs, converting Spencer Jones to a full-time contract on Wednesday. Jones, an undrafted wing out of Stanford, has been a surprise contributor for the Nuggets this season, starting 34 of 46 games and averaging 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 41.4% from 3-point range.

Why it matters

With injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, the Nuggets needed to solidify their rotation ahead of the playoffs. Jones has proven he belongs in the NBA and will provide important floor-spacing and defensive energy for Denver's postseason push.

The details

The Nuggets had until Thursday to add a 14th player to their active roster, as teams cannot leave multiple spots open for more than two consecutive weeks. Jones is now eligible to play the rest of the season and in the playoffs. His contract signing also means he will become a restricted free agent in June, with the Nuggets able to match any offer he receives.

  • On Feb. 4, Jones suffered a concussion in New York - the same night he reached the 50-game limit for two-way players.
  • On Wednesday, the Nuggets converted Jones to a full-time contract.

The players

Spencer Jones

A 24-year-old undrafted wing out of Stanford who has been a surprise contributor for the Denver Nuggets this season, starting 34 of 46 games and averaging 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 41.4% from 3-point range.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' starting forward who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Peyton Watson

A Nuggets player who is also out with a hamstring issue.

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What they’re saying

“The move was expected but took longer than anticipated after the forward suffered a concussion on Feb. 4 in New York — the same night he reached the 50-game limit for two-way players.”

— Jake Shapiro, Author (denversports.com)

What’s next

If Jones makes seven more starts, he'll meet the NBA's 'starter criteria' for restricted free agents, making him eligible for a $5.9 million qualifying offer this summer rather than the standard minimum.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' conversion of Spencer Jones to a full-time contract shows their commitment to developing young talent and securing key rotation pieces for their playoff push, even with injuries to other important players.