NBA Western Power Rankings Week 6: Clippers start rising
By Tom West
Dec 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) celebrates Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson
11th: Denver Nuggets (10 points)
By Tom West
Record: 9-14
December record: 3-2
The Nuggets’ 2015-16 season has been up and down from the start. In the last couple of weeks, for instance, they started with a four-game losing streak before winning three of their last four, and now own the 12th seed in the West. It’s the kind of inconsistency fans can expect this season, as they don’t have the talent, depth, or experience to do much more.
They have youth, athleticism and energy, which is at least a good basis to build an exciting team for their fans. With players such as Kenneth Faried, Emmanuel Mudiay and Will Barton (who’s having a major career-year), the Nuggets have plenty of players who can break out in transition and push the pace. Besides athleticism, though, they don’t have much to offer right now. Danilo Gallinari is producing a career-high 17.7 points per game, yet his 39 percent shooting really limits his impact. And besides Gallo, they don’t have any notable, consistent scoring options.
Since the start of December, the Nuggets have won three games. A 108-105 win over the 76ers is far from impressive, but taking down the Raptors 106-105 is a much better result to hold onto. With that victory they snapped an eight-game losing streak, and managed to hit an uncharacteristic 12 threes.
They have some talented pieces, but they’re still a long way from approaching the NBA’s top teams.
Next: Phoenix Suns