The Denver Nuggets are 3rd in the Western Conference with a record of 45-28 coming off a loss vs. the Chicago Bulls. Even with injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets are in a good spot where they stand in the Western Conference. As they prepare for another playoff run, I would anticipate the Nuggets to rest players down the stretch of regular season games left.

The Denver Nuggets have definitely taken another step back this season from their Championship season in 2023; back-to-back seasons having lost Bruce Brown and KCP. In my opinion, Calvin Booth as the Nuggets GM has done a disservice to Jokic by not surrounding him with the necessary talent to become contenders. Although Booth has had his fair share of mistakes, he has also made a few smart decisions—this includes drafting Petyon Watson and Christian Braun. They have played well so far in their young careers and have been key contributors to this Nuggets roster.

Christian Braun has continued to rise as a player for the Nuggets by stepping in as a starting guard this season. Even though Braun has more size and athleticism, he is still not quite the shooter and defender KCP was for the Nuggets. KCP was more of a threat on the perimeter due to his willingness to shoot the 3-ball. As a defender, Braun is not quite there when it comes to maneuvering screens like KCP for guarding the Steph Currys of the world.

In the offseason the Nuggets did manage to add future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has had a good 1st season as a Denver Nugget by posting a stat line of 13 points, 5 rebs, and 6 assists. I believe Westbrook has brought a much-needed energy to the roster. He has also made a large impact on both sides of the court. Westbrook has definitely become a popular favorite for the Denver Nuggets fan base, as well as adding more charisma to the team like Jokic has for the last few years.

Jokic is easily having one the best seasons of his career. He is averaging a triple-double with 29.1 pts, 12.8 rebs, and 10.3 assists. Jokic is strongly making a case to possibly win his 4th MVP. The Nuggets are just a different team while he is on the court versus when he is off the court. This has been the Nuggets Achilles’ heel when it comes to finding success and production in the limited time Jokic is off the court. The Nuggets have an offensive rating of 122.0 when Jokic plays vs a 111.2 offensive rating in the 9 games that Jokic hasn’t played. The falloff on the offense is clear seeing that the Nuggets average dips from 122.5 ppg to 108.6 ppg.

The Nuggets hold the top 2 lineups of offensive rating in the NBA. The combination of Murray, Westbrook, Braun, MPJ, and Jokic have an offensive rating of 125.3 through 26 games played with each other. The next best lineup is the combination of Murray, Braun, MPJ, Aaron Gordon, and Jokic with an offensive rating of 124.2, having played 23 games together. It is clear the Nuggets have 6 players that they can definitely rely on come playoff time. The biggest question worth asking is: Who will be a part of this playoff rotation?

The 1st name that comes to mind that I could see coach Michael Malone relying on to play minutes will be Peyton Watson. He’s a wing defender that can guard the perimeter and be a rim protector for this Nuggets team. During the playoffs I am hopeful that Watson can contribute both on offense and defense. If Watson can hit open 3s it could definitely help with spacing on the floor.

On the whole as a team the Nuggets are shooting 38% from 3pt range. Julian Strawther could add some offensive firepower, but leaves a lot to be desired on defense when it comes to that side of the court. Strawther could stretch the floor and bring some 3 pt shooting the Nuggets could desperately use in a playoff series—MPJ being the only other Nugget that can consistently shoot the cover off the basketball.

Finding a way to get by when Jokic is off the floor will be Malone’s biggest challenge come playoff time. I anticipate Aaron Gordon receiving minutes at the center position in the playoffs. The Nuggets have had success in previous playoff runs, plus they have found success in the non-Jokic minute when AG has played at the five spot. The other two names that could receive minutes could be Zeke Nnaji and Deandre Jordan. In my opinion, Nnaji could bring more to the table as a defender in his ability to defend the perimeter. The decision for head coach Michael Malone could be matchup-dependent of who gets time at center.

Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray will need to step up and show their worth as max contract players in the postseason. Murray—when playing at a high-level—raises the ceiling for this Nuggets team. Murray and Jokic create one of the best duos in the clutch when operating in the two-man game.

If Porter Jr. can play as he did in last year’s 1st round playoff series vs. the Lakers, it can definitely take the load off Murray and Jokic. MPJ is a threat on the perimeter and can also get to the basket with his size. When he isn’t scoring or shooting how he is capable, the Nuggets’ offense becomes easier to defend. One thing MPJ can’t do is disappear as he did in the series vs. Minnesota last year in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts– I think the Nuggets have enough talent despite some of their deficiencies to make a deep playoff run. The effort and consistency are something to definitely be concerned about. Overall, this Nuggets team can’t expect to just show up and to win at this time of the season. My verdict for this Nuggets team is: Pretenders, because I can not look past the inconsistencies with this team.

Stats & information provided by: ESPN.com , NBA.com

Photo Credits; Sports Illustrated, BidFTA, Fansided, Yardbarker

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