Via NBA.com
Key Players: Nikola Jokić, Paul Millsap, Gary Harris
The setting is Oracle Arena, May 2, 2013. The Golden State Warriors, led by a baby-faced Stephen Curry, had just upset the 57 win Denver Nuggets. A Warriors' dynasty was born, and the Nuggets' relevancy died.
Four years later the Nuggets seem to have regained that relevancy. After a successful rebuild, Denver has the attention of the entire league; thanks in large part to Nikola "Magic" Jokić. The Nuggets handed Jokić the keys of the franchise, by shipping Jusuf Nurkic to Portland. As the offense's focal point, Jokić led Denver to the NBA's second-best offense (110.3 points per 100 possessions).
Through free agency, that offense lost an important piece in Danilo Gallinari, but more than made up for it by bringing in Paul Millsap on a 3-year, $90 million contract. The Nuggets also resigned talented guard Gary Harris to a 4-year, $84 million deal. The last roster additions came through trade, for prospects Trey Lyles and Tyler London.
Best Case Scenario
Via Denver Stiffs
The Western Conference has five tiers: tier 1 is The Warriors, tier 2s are the teams that can compete with the Warriors, tier 3s are the teams that win a lot of regular season games, but get eliminated by tier 1 or 2, tier 4s are the teams fighting for the playoffs, tier 5s are the teams rebuilding.
The Denver Nuggets are currently tier 4, but if they live up to their potential there's no reason they can't finish the season in that second tier. Nikola Jokić averaged 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds, while posting the eighth highest PER in the entire NBA. Partner Jokić with the versatility of Paul Millsap and Denver has the best front court outside of New Orleans.
Unlike New Orleans, Denver's backcourt should compliment their terrific front court nicely. Both averaging over 13 points a game on limited roles, guards Gary Harris and Will Barton have more than proven they can provide solid scoring on a nightly basis; and although head coach Mike Malone remains undecided on a starter, Denver's deep roster has point guards Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay primed for breakout seasons.
Worst Case Scenario
Via Denver Post Blogs
Remember how the Knicks were supposed to become a super team last season. Remember how the Timberwolves were supposed to make this huge jump last season.
SoundSports remembers.
The Denver Nuggets are destined to make a huge jump; until they don't. Denver was the league's fourth worst defense last season; the three teams below them, the Lakers, Nets, and Suns, were tanking. Defense is a combination of strategy and mentality. Aside from Paul Millsap, no core Nuggets' player has won enough to even develop a winning mentality. Another mentality factor is Kenneth Faried. Faried was adamant on media day that he wasn't happy about losing his starting spot to Millsap; he did insist that he won't quit on his team, but a few bad losses always awakens negative energy. With a roster this deep, the only thing holding Denver back is themselves.
Prediction: 50-32; the Nuggets are for real.