Things are going smoother for Jalen Pickett after a year of embracing the grind.

“I’ve had a rough last year,” Pickett said after the best game of his young professional career in Monday’s 146-117 win over Portland. “You’ve got to just love that, being able to go through some challenges, find things that you’re good at. After such a successful college career, coming here and just basically starting over, it was tough at first.”

After Pickett spent three college years at Siena and transferred to Penn State for two more, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth pulled off a draft-night trade to acquire his fellow Nittany Lion with the 32nd overall selection.

Pickett played more than 9 minutes only three times as a rookie and spent a good portion of time with Denver’s G League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold. A rough stint in his second Summer League raised questions whether Pickett had much of a future in the NBA ahead of his sophomore campaign.

“He’s never gotten a chance to play until this year, so it’s hard to go out there and show what you’re capable of doing if you’re never given that opportunity,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said of Pickett’s rookie season.

“He did not have a good Summer League, and he knows that, but one thing about Jalen that’s really impressed me is that he didn’t feel sorry for himself. He just found a way to get back in the gym and work.”

Pickett’s commitment to improvement included a trip to Los Angeles to work with Nuggets shooting coach Mike Penberthy alongside Zeke Nnaji, another player who’s had limited opportunities early in his career. As Pickett adjusted from the college 3-point line to the professional distance, his right elbow started protruding more and more.

“It was a little out last year, and especially in Summer League, it was really out. I’m really trying to keep it nice and tight and keep the ball straight on line,” Pickett said.

“It’s very hard, but it was definitely necessary. Going from college … those couple of steps back make a big difference.”

After shooting 36% from 3 as a rookie, Pickett’s percentage from deep is north of 40 to start his second season with the Nuggets. In the six games since Russell Westbrook strained a hamstring in Philadelphia, Pickett has played 12 or more minutes in each game.

“Jalen is playing real well for us. He looks calm. He’s always trying to find his spot, and he looks really good out there,” Nikola Jokic said after his own 40-point performance.

“I think his style of play helps him to kind of calm down and see everything. He’s not rushing. He’s really under control. I think that helps him a lot.”

None of those games were better than Monday’s. Pickett recorded career-highs in points (14), assists (nine) and steals (two). He made six of his 10 shots and did not commit a turnover in 29 minutes of playing time against a Trail Blazers team that had been the best defense across the 12 previous games.

“Pretty impressive for a guy that did not play really any meaningful minutes last season,” Malone said.

Pickett credited Denver’s starting point guard, Jamal Murray, for instilling some confidence amidst the struggles.

“He did a great job,” Pickett said.

“Me and him played ‘ones’ a little bit last year, so he’s seen that I have a little bit of game. He was just always telling me I’ll get a chance, I’ll get an opportunity.”

What Murray saw last year has been on display for the masses the past week. Pickett’s highlights Monday included a three-point play in the third quarter that elicited a flex of his right bicep before the free throw. It felt like old times.

“I had a flashback to Penn State, being able to get down there and just play my game,” Pickett said. “I don’t get to do that a lot, but that was definitely fun.”

Then, there was a patient baseline drive in the fourth. After rejecting a screen, Portland 7-foot-2 rookie center Donovan Clingan prevented Pickett from an uncontested layup, so Pickett circled around the lane and got back for a left-handed scoop shot that produced quite the comparison.

“(He’s) looking like Bob Cousy out there, getting to the basket for the floating one-hander,” Malone said.

Pickett’s got a lot of work to do to join Cousy in the Hall of Fame, but the game has a way of rewarding the grind. The 25-year-old understands as much.

“You never wish for anybody to get hurt, but with Russ being out here, I’m kind of getting a couple of games and finding a little rhythm here. It’s been really fun, just seeing where I started at and where I am now, where I can go. I’m just trying to gain confidence and keep progressing,” Pickett said.

“I just kind of fell in love with the grind and just getting back in the gym and seeing where I could take my game.”