The Denver Nuggets are in a tough spot this upcoming season with Jamal Murray projected to miss the majority of, if not, the entire campaign as he continues to recover from a torn left ACL. Still, with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic leading the way and the potential of a breakout season from Michael Porter Jr., it is going to be hard to completely count out Denver as a strong contender in the Western Conference.

Nuggets Training Camp Standout Bones Hyland

As training camp has come and gone, and preseason rolls along, one player has stood out as a pleasant surprise for the Nuggets. That man is their rookie Nah'Shan “Bones” Hyland.

The Nuggets may have yet found themselves another gem in the NBA draft. Denver took Hyland with the no. 26 pick last July and so far, he is looking like a value selection at that spot.

Hyland has caught the attention of many people within the organization, including none other than their MVP big man. Jokic offered very high praises for their rookie guard.

Via Harrison Wind of the Denver Post:

“He can push up the tempo,” Jokic said. “I think that’s his good ability. He likes to play for the team, for each other. I like that ability. He can shoot. He needs to learn the game a little bit, like everybody else who came as a rookie. I like the potential that he has. I like the way how he’s thinking. I like how he’s willing to listen to other players and other coaches.”

Just imagine what that would do to Hyland's self-esteem heading into the season. If the MVP and superstar of the team says that about you, you would definitely get a major confidence boost.

Bones Hyland did not waste time in making his presence felt with his contagious young energy during camp. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone certainly to notice by as soon as day two and this could ultimately become the 6-foot-3 guard's ticket to minutes in Denver's rotation.

“What bones brings is that energy, that pace, and that attack mindset, and he can get to places on the court that some guys just can’t,” Malone said Wednesday, via Eric Spyropoulos of NBA.com.

Obviously, Hyland is doing the best he can to show just what he can do as he looks to establish a name for himself in the NBA. So far, the VCU standout's hard work has translated on the court in two preseason games.

Hyland scored 19 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists in their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. He followed that up with an 11-point, 6-assist performance against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

In both outings, Hyland showed great ability to create for himself and get to his spots with ease. He made tough finishes at the basket while also showcasing some capabilities as a ballhandler on the move.

If Bones Hyland continues to impress in camp and in preseason, it shouldn't be shocking if he winds playing a steady role for the Nuggets as a rookie this season. With Jamal Murray set to possibly miss the entire year, Bones should get all the chances he can get as Denver's potential spark plug off the bench.