The 21-year-old is in his third season with the franchise and it could be his last. He is in his final year of a teaching degree and may have to leave the region to find work.
In the meantime, he is determined to make the most of the season.
"This is the last year I'll be here for sure so I want to make sure I really give it my all and make the most of my chances," Buckrell said.
"I don't want to have any regrets at the end of the year."
Buckrell is part of a core of young players the Nuggets have been developing. He would be a loss to the franchise if he did move out of the region, especially when he is just starting to find his feet in the league.
The former Junior Tall Black scored 15 points in the opening game of the season to help the Nuggets beat the Harbour Heat, and on Sunday he chipped in with five rebounds and nine points in the 80-68 win against the Southland Sharks.
For a team which has struggled so desperately over the last eight years, to start the season with two wins from four matches is almost uncharted territory.
Sam King is another player who is also starting to produce some good performances. He scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds against the Sharks.
Perhaps their improvement can be put down to natural progression, but Buckrell believes the arrival of Mark Dickel has had a huge impact.
The Tall Blacks point guard is a seasoned professional, a hard worker and an uncompromising competitor, and he has found a captive audience at the Nuggets.
"In practice, we are training a lot harder than we have in the last couple of years," Buckrell said.
"With the addition of Mark, and with Alf [Arlidge, Nuggets coach] having some more experience, we are working harder, we are more focused and we are more organised. And it is showing on the court.
"Dickel obviously has a lot of influence. He has been around so everyone respects him and he has a lot of experience and brings a lot of knowledge as well."
Buckrell said Dickel, the Nuggets captain, had a constructive approach when it came to getting his message across at training. His advice was specific rather than general and from a personal perspective, Buckrell found it gave him the confidence to play the role his side required because he knew exactly what was expected and how to go about it.
"It allows us to focus on what we need to improve on personally, instead of all the team doing the same thing [at training]. It is real specific and that way you can work on things you really need to work on."
Buckrell's playing brief changes depending on who has the ball in his hands. When Dickel has it, Buckrell's role is to get into some open space and be prepared to put up a shot up.
When American import Akeem Wright is in possession, Buckrell's job is to draw some defence.
"I don't have to go on and score 15-20 points. I just have to read what everyone else is doing and fit in from there."
That he is so clear in his role is an example of how the Nuggets are doing things so much better this year. And there is a new confidence and a growing belief which has been sadly lacking.
"We are just starting to realise our potential. It is a bit of a new feeling but to finally be able to give the fans something to cheer about is great.
"In the last couple of seasons we have always had a rough start and have been on the back foot. Now we've had this kind of good start, we're not on the back foot and are able to go out play basketball without any [worries] on our shoulders."
The Nuggets play the Manawatu Jets at the Edgar Centre tomorrow night. The Jets are on a roll with wins against the Wellington Saints and Auckland Pirates in the last round. Centre Nick Horvath was named player of the week and his clash with Nuggets centre Antoine Tisby will be a fascinating contest.
