Building blocks
Paul Millsap PF |
Jamal Murray PG/SG |
Nikola Jokic PF/C |
Draft picks
Tyler Lydon SF/PF
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Vlatko Cancar SF/PF
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Monte Morris PG
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Draft Board
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The Nuggets came just shy of making the playoffs this past season and finished with a respectable 40-42 record. Head coach Michael Malone has shown the ability to develop young talent (aside from Jokic coming off the bench early in the year), which is good because his team got even younger this off-season. It was disappointing not to see Mudiay take the jump many people were expecting, but I'm still a believer in him eventually figuring it out, however it may not be in Denver. The Nuggets have a clear star they can build around in Nikola Jokic and rookie Jamal Murray showed flashes of what type of playmaking guard he can be. They bolstered their roster by acquiring Paul Millsap in a 3 way trade involving Danilo Gallinari going to the Clippers. Millsap brings a veteran presence and should be a great fit next to Jokic due to his ability to defend and stretch the floor. On draft day they added 3 more stretch 4 types in Trey Lyles (trade with Utah), Tyler Lydon, and Vlatko Cancar (will likely stay in Europe). I'm not as high on either Lyles or Lydon, but they bring versatility to the PF position. They also added a stud of a PG in Monte Morris, who will have a great opportunity to learn under Jameer Nelson. The Nuggets also have nice wing pieces in Chandler, Harris, Barton, and Beasley, but will need to eventually address the PG position. Overall next season will be big and I expect the Nuggets to make the jump into the playoffs.
Team Needs
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Estimated Cap Space
$16,029,901 UFA Danilo Gallinari SF, Roy Hibbert C RFA Mason Plumlee C |