National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets Training Camp Outlook: Axel Toupane

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mar 14, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Axel Toupane (6) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-119. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Several players are contending for the Denver Nuggets’ final roster spot. Where does Axel Toupane stack up compared to the others coming into training camp?

There are a lot of players that are fighting for the last spot on the Nuggets roster. This being said, Axel Toupane, a SG/SF out of France is one of the arguable favorites to receive it coming into training camp.

The defensive mastermind that is Toupane has found himself struggling to stick with any NBA team.

Toupane is a raw talent, who has some work to do, but could turn out to be a great role player for the Nuggets. Toupane has already gained some experience playing for Denver, as he played in the last part of the season last year in a very small role.

Want your voice heard? Join the Nugg Love team!

He still has development to do, but Toupane could turn into a very solid role player on the any team if not the Nuggets.

So will Toupane grab that last roster spot? Let’s find out.

Mar 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and guard Axel Toupane (6) in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Why Axel Could Win the Spot

I believe that Axel’s experience as a Nugget will play a big factor on their decision to give or not give him the final spot.

More from Nugg Love

I love the athletic potential and playing style that Toupane holds, and I honestly believe that Denver will reward him with the spot. The true potential isn’t necessarily seen in his time in the blue and gold, but rather while he was playing in Europe.

One of the better things that matches with Axel Toupane is his three-point shooting. While playing in France, he shot just over 36 percent from beyond the arc, and with a little work he could be a threat from deep.

Toupane stands currently six-foot and six inches, so he has the potential to be taller than most shooting guards he would face.

This being said, he could use this size advantage and become a better rebounder out of the two guard spot. He also the athleticism to possibly make some big plays down in the paint.

He could be a big boost off of the bench for a very young Nuggets season during the season.

Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Axel Toupane (6) defends against Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Why Axel Won’t Win the Spot

There are some things that aren’t so appealing for Toupane and the Nuggets.

nuggets

Nugg Love 1 wDenver Nuggets: Will Malik Beasley Sadly Only Get Insurance Minutes?

More headlines around FanSided:

2w - Top 5 Denver Nuggets with Any Fantasy Basketball Value 4w - Denver Nuggets: There Is No Hope for DeMarcus Cousins Coming to DEN 6w - Rio Olympics: Lauvergne, France Must Dominate Against Venezuela 6w - Team USA Dominate In Their Second Olympic Game 7w - Jameer Nelson: NBPA's Teammate of the YearMore News at Nugg Love

During his rookie season in Denver, Axel only averaged 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. This being said, he didn’t play very much, only averaging 14.5 minutes per game in only 21 NBA games.

Toupane has to have time to develop and to grow as an offensive player, but a burning question remains. Does Denver have the time to wait on the development of Axel Toupane?

This is a team that has been making many good pickups and good moves, and they should be looking to find their way into the playoffs if not this year then next. Do they really have the time to wait on him?

Another thing that the Nuggets have to keep in mind is that they have plenty of guards right now anyways. They currently have these guards:

The beautiful thing about Axel is that he can play both shooting guard and small forward, so the Nuggets could find a place for him to play when they need him to.

I honestly believe that this final spot is Toupane’s to lose.

Even with his limited playing time last season, Axel showed some flashes of a lethal scorer and reliable option off of the bench. I hope that he can secure that final spot, and I can’t wait to see what he is fully capable of.

This article originally appeared on