The Denver Nuggets have been a fixture in the Western Conference semifinals for the past three seasons, having been a Western finalist in 2020 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers champion. It might not seem like much, but in such a hotly contested conference, reaching at least the semi-finals back-to-back is a big achievement, especially considering the ages of its main stars.
The nuggets have been creating an experience for a few years. In addition to strong regular-season campaigns, the team faced a seven-game playoff streak, even managing to turn some who were 3-1 behind. However, is it possible to say that a team commanded by players of only 26 and 24 years old has already matured from the experiences of recent years? When the 26-year-old is also the current league MVP, it’s hard to deny that maturity.
Nikola Jokic is the cornerstone of the team. The Serbian was drafted by the Colorado team in 41st position in the 2014 draft and since then he seems to have no limits to his progress. Starting in the second round of the draft, the seemingly unsportsmanlike youngster began to stand out in the NBA with creative assists, but that wasn’t all he could do. Slowly pivoting, but with a basketball that has proven to be extremely suited to the new rhythm of the league, Jokic has evolved into being voted MVP of the 2020-2021 season.
Besides being one of the best players in the NBA today, who due to his young age can still progress, Denver still has a great support team. The team’s second name is Jamal Muray, who has also been a part of the Nuggets since his draft (2016), and that is why he is participating in the franchise evolution process. The more than $ 30 million he will receive this season shows just how much the franchise is banking on its potential. However, Murray is recovering from a serious knee injury (ACL) and has no predictions about his return to the field. Besides having no predictions, it’s hard to know how the young Canadian point guard will come back after so long out of action.
But if Murray is guessed, there are other very interesting pieces that have fans hoping Jokic can get the help they need to take the Nuggets further. Players like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are options that collectively and individually contribute to the growth of the team.
In the frame, with Murray not returning, Monte Morris, Will Barton, Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers are expected to have plenty of minutes left, and the playmakers have responded relatively well to the main point guard’s absence last season.
If in this offseason the Nuggets have not brought any strong name, the maintenance of the nucleus of young people, the replacement of the experience with the arrival of Jeff Green (and the departure of Paul Millsap), the natural evolution of the Current league MVP and coach Michael Malone’s leadership encourages fans to take Jokic one step closer to the title fight.
Main arrivals: Jeff Green, Bones Hyland, Davon Reed and Tarik Black
Main outputs: Paul Millsap, Shaquille Harrison and JaVale McGee
Strong point: Combination of young stars, good supporting roles and the experience gained in recent years.
Weakness: The team finished 18th in points allocated to opponents last season. This shows that a weak point of the team remains the defense, which must level up for the Nuggets to fight for the title.
Campaign in 2020-21: 47-25 (3rd in the Western Conference)
Probable main quintet: Jamal Muray, Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic
Sixth man: Mount Morris (but must start in Murray’s absence)
Franchised player: Nikola Jokic
The Head Coach: Michael malone
To fight for: Title. After reaching the Western Conference final in 2020, the semifinals in 2021 with the regular season MVP despite the team’s second-best player being injured, it’s hard not to put the Nuggets as title contenders with retention of key players and a good support team.
POWER RANKING OF PLAYOFFS
Denver Nuggets: post 6
Photo: Twitter / Denver Nuggets reproduction
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”