PJ Dozier has that look in his eye

There’s a quiet confidence that PJ Dozier has carried with him throughout his time in Denver.

He had it when he first entered the Nuggets locker room two years ago as an undrafted 22-year-old with a toolbox full of NBA skills, but also as someone who fizzled out of his first two NBA stops. He had it when he got his first real audition with the Nuggets back in January of 2020 after Jamal Murray went down with an ankle injury. Dozier has always acted like he belonged.

He also had it when he played a series-saving 20 minutes off the bench in a must-win Game 5 vs. Utah two seasons ago. The Nuggets don’t win that game and extend the series without Dozier’s defense.

He’s really always had it.

Something else Dozier has always had: Michael Malone’s confidence.

Malone called him an NBA player back in 2019 before Dozier ever played a regular season game for him. Earlier this week, Malone scoffed at a question I posed about Dozier and if he was someone who could earn more minutes throughout the preseason with starter Will Barton temporarily sidelined.

“He’s not fighting for minutes. He’s not fighting for my respect,” Malone said before Denver’s preseason opener. “I’m a huge PJ Dozier fan. I understand the important of PJ Dozier.”

Dozier’s confidence combined with Malone’s trust has the South Carolina product set up for what feels like a breakout season. If his first two preseason games are any indication, it’s definitely coming.

Dozier went for 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 22 minutes Monday against the Clippers. Wednesday in Golden State, Dozier tallied 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in the same amount of playing time. So far this preseason, Dozier’s shooting 9-17 from the field and 3-9 from distance. His 3-point shot, which looks improved, along with his injury history — Malone has already hammered home that keeping Dozier healthy this year is a top priority — remain the two biggest knocks against him.

It’s such a cliche, but at 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan Dozier is the definition of a modern-day NBA Swiss Army Knife. He looks stronger and bouncier already this season and has the most positional-versatility out of anyone on the Nuggets’ roster. Malone trusts him at the 1, 2, 3 and even the 4, as we saw early last season.

Dozier’s feel in the pick-and-roll has always been there. He’s already an expert pocket passer. Check out these reads he made against the Clippers.

Dozier’s also on track to step into a role as the Nuggets’ top perimeter defender. Aaron Gordon proved last year that he can hang with smaller and quicker guards, but in a regular season environment I’d bet that Dozier would be Denver’s first choice to guard dangerous perimeter scorers. The Nuggets will also need him in the paint to help protect the rim.

Watch how he navigated one screen after another to stay with Luke Kennard on these two possessions Monday vs. the Clippers.

Just how important Dozier’s defense is to the Nuggets this season is a storyline that’s been sliding under the radar. Denver has solid defenders at the guard spots in Barton and Austin Rivers. Monte Morris can hold his own against lots of matchups too. But Dozier is really the Nuggets’ lone lockdown option at the 1, 2 or 3.

It’s likely why Malone has smartly been pumping him up all preseason.

“It’s a blessing to feel needed,” Dozier said Wednesday.

Dozier’s an interesting character. He rarely reveals anything publicly. He says a ton without really saying much. When Dozier was asked Wednesday night what aspect of his game he thinks is most improved from last season, he simply responded, “Everything.” On and off the floor, he’s always composed and confident.

Dozier knows he has a massive opportunity this season. You actually could sense that from the tone of his comments throughout training camp. He’s entering the year with a defined role for the first time in his NBA career. He’s clearly Denver’s 6th man and will likely be the Nuggets’ first guard off the bench most nights. He’s also in a contract year, and for the first time in his career has the chance to make some real NBA money.

You get the feeling that Dozier knows what could be at stake for him this season.

You can tell by the look in his eye.

“That’s all you can ask for is a coach who has the utmost confidence in you,” said Dozier. “Now, it’s all up to you. I’ve got to go out there and take care of business and make everybody else a believer as well.”