Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets’ Projected Starting Five:
- Jamal Murray
- Gary Harris
- Will Barton
- Paul Millsap
- Nikola Jokic
- Other Notable Players — Mason Plumlee, Jerami Grant, Monte Morris, Michael Beasley, Torrey Craig, Juan Hernangomez, Michael Porter Jr.
The Nuggets are a sleeper contender in the West. While the L.A. teams and Golden State hoard anticipation, Denver is quietly running back an improved version of a two-seeded team. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have yet to reach their primes, which leaves room for organic growth.
Denver, at the very least, is a dynamic offense with one of the deepest benches in the NBA. Just look at the roster — Plumlee, Grant, Morris, Beasley, Craig, Hernangomez, Porter. All names who can contribute real, valuable minutes behind a proven starting five. Imagine if Bol Bol hits.
Few teams are more prone to out-gunning opponents. Jokic is a slow, prodding force with wicked tempo. He can dart pinpoint outlet passes, handle in transition and thread the needle at every angle. You don’t need elite athleticism to constantly pressure a defense.
Using Jokic’s passing chops as a fulcrum, the Nuggets offense is rooted in flow. Murray, Harris and Barton are all adept cutters, who find the right moments to duck inside and collect Jokic’s assists. Millsap is the perfect frontcourt partner — a valid floor spacer, a selfless ball mover and an experienced defender.
The bench is just as fun. Plumlee can play with and without Jokic. Grant adds a new dynamic with his athleticism and rim-running potential. Beasley is in line for a breakthrough, even if it’s in a complementary role.
A fun and dangerous group, the Nuggets can give Philadelphia serious problems. The Sixers have enough size to overpower Denver’s backcourt, but the Nuggets’ offense will also stretch Philadelphia to the extreme. The Sixers can’t win every game, so to keep things realistic — Nuggets sweep.