The NBA’s Slept on Contender:

Denver Nuggets

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

8/22/2019

         This NBA offseason has seen much of the talk of title contenders revolve around the Lakers and Clippers. With teams like the Rockets, 76ers, and Bucks also in the discussion. One team that many are continuing to look past in the conversation is the Denver Nuggets. As despite finishing 2nd in the Western Conference with a 54-28 record they seem to be outside of the conversation rather than in the middle of it. The Nuggets will be a force in the West, thanks to gifted young core and much needed playoff experience gained last season. This piece will look to depict why Denver will be a major player in the Western Conference and could give the preseason favorites a lot of problems.

            The Nuggets will be major contenders because of the immense amount of talent they have across their roster. The fact that most of their roster is so young, with just one player age 30 or older is intriguing. As they have a great young core that got valuable playoff experience last season. The two main pillars of their roster are 24-year-old center Nikola Jokic and 22-year-old guard Jamal Murray. These two young players showed their star potential last season and will need to develop further to lead the Nuggets toward championship contention.

            In Jokic the Nuggets have a center that is highly skilled and plays the game at a cerebral level. Last season Jokic average 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in 80 games played. While shooting 51.1% from the field, 30.7% from three, and 82.1% from the free throw line. Posting some of the best offensive numbers we have seen put up by a center. Jokic most impressive skill is his elite passing ability from the center position. As he operates out of the unique point-center role for Denver. Having the ability to bring the ball up the floor, initiate the offense, and operate from any quadrant on the floor. He is an excellent passer out of the post and passes with the precision and anticipation of an elite point guard. He can also dominate scoring wise, able to score efficiently from all three levels as shown by his shooting percentages. He also showed steady improvement defensively, which was a drawback of his initially. Now is he’s become a capable defender and very effective rebounder who uses his size well down low. Combine this dynamic offensive skillset with a 7-foot frame and the Nuggets have arguably the best center and one of the best players in the NBA. A primary option that very few teams will be able to limit the impact of in a game.

            Murray as the lead guard for Denver provides a nice compliment to Jokic as an explosive scorer, and knockdown shooter from the perimeter. Murray averaged 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last year. Shooting 43.7% from the floor, 36.7% from three, and 84.8% from the free throw line. These shooting percentage are not great, but he improved his efficiency as the year went on. In the postseason he increased his points per game average to 21.3 and shot above 90% from the free throw line. Murray and Jokic formed a highly effective two-man that took advantage of Murray’s great cutting off-ball and smooth shooting stroke. Along with Jokic’s elite passing and court vision to find open shooters. Murray became the co-star Denver needed to pair with Jokic to form an effective tandem. Murray individually needs to continue to improve as a defender. He plays solid off-ball defense but needs to become a stronger on-ball defender to become a more well-rounded player. Murray also needs to shoot more efficiently and create more for his teammates as a distributor increasing his assists per game from 4.8 to around 6.0. He did show this past postseason he is ascending to becoming a top guard in the NBA as his maturation advances. The Nuggets now have their star tandem to lead them in a star filled Western Conference.

            Denver’s roster depth will continue to give them a major advantage against their opponents next season. As they have the luxury of going 10 to 11 deep off their bench on a given night. The fact 12 of their 16 players are 25 years old and younger, they are not just built for current but sustained future success. With players like Garry Harris (24), Malik Beasley (22), Monte’ Morris (24), and Bol Bol (19) this foundation alongside their two stars is forming a dominant force in the West. Add in solid veterans like Paul Milsap and Miles Plumlee, and Denver has put together a formidable roster. Denver’s team depth also showed in the fact they had 7 different players average 10 or more points. With players like Beasley averaging 11.3 points and Morris 10.4 points off the bench. Plus, four of their five starters averaged 12 or more points per game. Displaying the scoring production, the Nuggets got across their roster last year. With this type of scoring balance and talent mixture on the roster Denver for sure has major staying power in the Western Conference.

            The Denver Nuggets were a team last year that finished top 10 in the league in both defensive and offensive rating. Finishing 8th in defensive rating at 108.1 and 6th on offensive rating at 109.6. Showing they were a top ten team in the league throughout the entirety of last season. Head coach Mike Malone is a big reason for this team’s ascension to this elite status. As Malone since becoming Denver’s coach has seen them improve their defense each season over his so far four-year tender. He has coached them to play far better team defense, while also utilizing their offensive talents in a way that all players can flourish. He has especially been key in the development of Nikola Jokic, taking from his experience of coaching skilled big Demarcus Cousins in Sacramento who had his best year offensively under Mike Malone. He molded the offense around Jokic allowing him to run point-center and spread out teams with shooters and cutters around him to pass too. Malone is a hard-nosed coach that has instilled confidence and discipline into his young group.  Judging by the results he has put up the players have bought in and embraced his coaching style. Malone’s job now is to help get this young group to the next level. Having won a playoff series and coming within a game of the Western Conference Finals a year ago. He now will be looked to lead this group deeper into the postseason and maybe to the verge of a Finals berth.

            The Denver Nuggets after having their most successful season in recent memory now must take the next step. Next year getting to the second round will not be good enough, as their goal should be at least a Western Conference finals appearance. Denver with a good head coach, a young talented roster, plus the gain of key experiences in big games all last year is set to make a huge run. It is up to the Nuggets to realize the opportunity they have and take advantage of their opportunity with this talented group. If they do go into and have another strong regular season and show major growth it will be hard for people to not look at them as championship contenders.