Spencer Jones is turning heads in Denver - and not just because he’s making the most of a sudden opportunity. The Nuggets forward, currently on a two-way contract, has delivered back-to-back career nights, dropping 18 and 26 points while filling in for the injured Aaron Gordon. It’s the kind of breakout stretch that makes front offices take notice - and in Denver’s case, might force a roster decision sooner rather than later.
Here’s the catch: two-way players aren’t eligible for the NBA playoffs. That’s the rule.
But Nuggets fans shouldn’t panic just yet. There’s a clear path for Jones to suit up in the postseason - and it’s entirely within Denver’s control.
Right now, the Nuggets are carrying 14 standard NBA contracts, one short of the league maximum. That means they have an open roster spot.
If they choose to convert Jones’ two-way deal into a standard contract, he becomes playoff-eligible. No waivers.
No cuts. Just a paperwork move that could give the defending champs a little more depth come spring.
And based on what we’ve seen recently, he’s earning it.
Opportunity Meets Readiness
The Nuggets have been sprinkling Jones into the rotation all season, but with Gordon sidelined, the coaching staff gave him a real shot - and he’s taken full advantage. He’s not just filling a spot; he’s producing. He’s playing with confidence, hitting shots, defending his position, and showing he can contribute within Denver’s system.
Now, let’s be realistic - Jones isn’t suddenly going to average 20 a night. When Gordon returns, his role will shrink.
But what matters is that he’s shown he can hang. He’s not overwhelmed by the moment, and he’s not out of place on the floor with the reigning champs.
That’s not nothing.
A Different Kind of Breakout
What makes Jones’ emergence even more compelling is that it’s not the typical undrafted-player-makes-good story. He wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer in college.
He wasn’t a viral athletic phenom. At Stanford, he was steady - a five-year player who never averaged more than 14.1 points per game.
In the G League, he was solid but didn’t dominate.
And yet, here he is, making an impact in meaningful NBA minutes.
That speaks volumes about Denver’s development program and their eye for talent. It also says a lot about Jones’ work ethic and adaptability. He’s not just surviving at the NBA level - he’s thriving in his role, even if it’s a small sample size.
What Comes Next
The Nuggets don’t have to rush a decision, but they’ll need to make one if they want Jones on their playoff roster. The good news is they’re in a flexible position to do so. With that 15th roster spot open, the path is clear.
And if Jones keeps playing like this, it might not be a question of if he gets converted - just when.
For now, he’s giving Denver exactly what every contender hopes to find during the grind of the regular season: unexpected production from an unheralded source. It’s the kind of story that can quietly shape a team’s depth and, come playoff time, make all the difference.
Spencer Jones might not have been a household name a few weeks ago. But in Denver, he’s earning his place - and maybe even a shot at the postseason spotlight.