Axel Toupane was easily one of the better defenders on the Nuggets this past season. He did a quality job at defending quality NBA SG’s and SF’s. His defense was easily his strength as that is what Head Coach Mike Malone put as the spotlight of Toupane’s gameplan. Similar to Gary Harris, Toupane is also a great cutter/slasher.
He is exquisite at getting to the hoop on backdoor plays and creates multiple opportunities out of nothing. Toupane didn’t have any plays designed for him, so cutting to the hoop was his opportunity to make plays. Toupane is a very skilled player and at only 24 years old has room to improve, so why wouldn’t he make the Nuggets opening day roster?