It may be a little early to bail on Denver's experimental bench led by role players on rookie contracts like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. And Reggie Jackson has at least been solid in his new role as backup point guard. But Caruso undeniably raises the short-term ceiling of this second unit, and he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Plus, a fairly reliable outside shot and the ability to create a bit off the dribble would make Caruso a viable replacement for Bruce Brown. Being under contract through 2024-25 is a bonus too. Of course, giving up rookie Julian Strawther, who is 6'7" and averaged a team-leading 17.8 points in the preseason, a first-round pick swap, a relatively reliable backup 1 in Jackson and Nikola Jokić's friend Vlatko Čančar may seem steep, but the Nuggets need to take advantage of the title window that's open now.