Via ClutchPoints
Key Players: Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Paul Milsap, Will Barton
When heartbreak comes to mind, members of the basic emotional community think of failed relationships or troubling news; members of the basketball community think of the Denver Nuggets.
Two years ago the Denver Nuggets were eliminated from playoff contention in game 80 of the regular season, thanks to the infamous Russell Westbrook shot. While the night was filled with glee for Russell Westbrook breaking a decades-long triple-double record; meanwhile, the Nuggets were left looking to next season.
The next season was relatively better. Rather than getting eliminated from playoff contention in the 80th game of the season, Denver fought for their postseason lives until the literal last second, only to again come up short.
But this year feels different. Aside from drafting a bad back Kevin Durant, a.k.a. Michael Porter Jr., with the 14th overall pick, the Denver Nuggets didn't make any big moves this offseason. The main moves this offseason were the re-signings of Nikola Jokic to a five-year, $148 million max deal and Will Barton to a four-year, $53 million deal. Notable subtractions came at the hands of shipping bench aficionado Kenneth Faried off to Brooklyn and veteran wing Wilson Chandler to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Denver's Best Case Scenario
Via Sportsnet
A Huffington Post on 6 Helpful Ways to Overcome Heartbreak will accompany the Denver Nuggets' best-case scenario.
Feel the feelings and don't force yourself to "just get over it." After falling short so close to their goal in back-to-back years, Denver has faced two of the most emotionally damaging regular seasons in recent memory. Most teams would frustratedly try to "just get over it" by overpaying any free agent that would listen; but, by retaining the key pieces of their roster, the Nuggets are allowing their team to grow from the hardships of past seasons.
Get the energy out. Despite finishing as the league's 6th best offense (110ppg), Denver finished in the bottom-10 for defense, allowing 108.5 points a night in the 17-18 season. The Nuggets need to use the pain of the last two season's shortcomings as motivation on the defensive side of the ball.
Forgive.
Via Fear KCP
With a playoff berth on the line, the face of the franchise, Nikola Jokic, was nowhere to be found. His story can best be described as the following:
"Passing. Shooting. Footwork. Efficiency. My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of big man dominance when the seven-footers kept balance between the high flying wings, sharpshooters, crafty dribblers, and finesse players. But that all changed when the three-point shot attacked. Only 'the Joker' mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless three-point league. But when the Nuggets needed him most, he vanished. One year has passed and the NBA season is nearing a return. . Some people believe that the Joker will never shake back from being locked down by Taj Gibson and that he was forever exposed. But I haven't lost hope. I still believe that somehow, the Joker will lead the Nuggets to the playoffs."
Be honest with yourself. Lofty expectations for a team known for shortcomings will do them no good. Yes, Denver won 46 games last season with their second-best player, in Paul Milsaps, playing less than half the season (37 games); but, while improvement will no doubt accompany the talented power forward's return, the Nuggets shouldn't be expected to be contenders just yet. Denver's lone goal should remain to get their young core a taste of the playoffs.
Take back your personal power. As mentioned earlier in the article, the Denver Nuggets were the sixth best tem offensively last season, but what's stopping them from being in the top-3. Paul Milsap averaged a borderline 20 points a night (18.1) in his last healthy season. Gary Harris has increased his scoring production in each of his four seasons, posting 17.5 points per game last season. Will Barton earned himself a $50 million contract thanks to his ability to play three positions while adding 15.7 nightly points to the box score. The offense's orchestrators, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, averaged 16.7 and 18.5 points respectively last season. Denver has five players capable of averaging 20 in a system that encourages sharing. Their offensive potential is mile high.
Live an outstanding life. What's more outstanding than noticing improvement? Jamal Murray is Denver's noticeable improvement. After being thrust into the starter role, the former Kentucky guard improved in every major statistical category, while upping his efficiency from the field. The improvement didn't go unnoticed, as in this year's GM survey Murray received the most votes (20 percent) to be the this season's Most Improved Player.
Denver's Worst Case Scenario
Via USA Today Sports
"There's an old saying in Tennessee, I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee that says, 'Fool me once, shame on, shame on you. Fool me again... You can't get fooled again."~George Bush ~ J Cole
Two years ago the Denver Nuggets had the excuse of inexperience and missing another player. The following year, Denver's core came back better and the front office added Paul Milsap; however, due to Milsaps missing a majority of the season, the Nuggets had an excuse for falling short.
This season there are no excuses for the Denver Nuggets. Whether it be at the hands of their own poor defense or just being in a bad situation that is competing in the Western Conference, a failure to make the playoffs this season would be just that -- a failure. The team's young core would go from promising to questionable, and it'll be hard to imagine Denver not moving a key piece or two as a result.
Record Prediction: 50-32, A decade-long Nuggets playoff appearance streak starts this year.