The Denver Nuggets were a world-beater pre-Jamal Murray knee blowout. After, holes began to show. Then the Phoenix Suns exposed those flaws eliminating them in a 4-game sweep.
Embed from Getty ImagesWe all know the story of the 2020/2021 Denver Nuggets. Before Jamal went down, they were The Final’s favorites. They were easily able to keep up with the scoring of the Clippers and Nets. As well as play stingy D post-Aaron Gordon trade. Then Jamal grabbed his knee, and the wheels began to fall off. In 48 games before the injury Murray averaged 21.2 points. But instead of hitting the panic button and finding a Murray replacement. The Nuggets kept the status quo and look to replace by committee.
Lest we not forget the step forward Michael Porter Jr. made in Murray’s stead. He averaged 23.2 points, 55% from the field, and 44% from beyond the arc. They also resigned Will Barton, Austin Rivers, and JaMychal Green. While adding veteran Jeff Green from the Eastern Conference powerhouse Nets in Free Agency. I actually like this, instead of making a move you may regret by trading away MPJ or Gordon for a band-aid. They trust their internal talent to hold the fort while they wait for the reinforcements.
Embed from Getty ImagesWe should see Porter Jr. take another step while being the second option behind reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Aaron Gordon who averaged 10 PPG in 25 games with Denver will see him go more towards his career average of 12.1, and maybe even past that with a larger offensive workload. Monte Morris and Barton will add stability to a starting unit that won’t have to learn to play with a new piece which should lead to a much smoother start than if a big new addition was made.
I have seen some chatter, but Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland could be the best 6th-man the Nuggets have had since prime J.R. Smith. And Bol Bol is looking like a legit superstar in the making during the summer league where he averaged more than 20 points per game. I know that Bones and Bol are currently buried down the depth chart. I see that changing around Christmas time giving Nuggets Nation a special and exciting gift going into the New Year.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe roster consistency has lead to the consistent rise of the Nuggets over the last 5 years as you can see below:
Projected Starters:
PG Monte Morris
SG Will Barton
SF Michal Porter Jr.
PF Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic
Key Reserves:
PG Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland
PG Facundo Campazzo
PF Jeff Green
C JaMychal Green
Projected Record:
52-30
Awards Won:
Nikola Jokic MVP
Aaron Gordon DPOY
Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland 6th-Man