DENVER NUGGETS
Boasting one of the best young cores in the league, the Nuggets have used the draft as a means to flourish into competitors. Far from challenging for the title, they have developed into a legitimate playoff competitor over the years. Having added highly regarded wing Michael Porter Jr. to their young core, they’d expect him to yield them another dimension on the offensive end, if healthy. Rumors of Porter Jr. being red-shirted for the season may cause apprehension among the Nuggets’ faithful after the trade of the seasoned Wilson Chandler.
Will Barton, who’d recently signed a 54 million 4 year deal, ought to be accommodated as a small ball 3 while easing the Missouri based rookie onto the scene. Extending technical big man, Nikola Jokic, for a 147 million five year deal, will furnish them with playmaking and scoring from the pinch post along with steadfast rebounding.
However, their biggest coup this season could evidently turn out be the former MVP candidate, Isaiah Thomas. Having acquired the 5’8 guard for the veteran’s minimum, he would present them a scoring threat from the bench. With erstwhile first round picks, Malik Beasley and Trey Lyles looking to breakout in the forthcoming season, they provide Michael Malone additional alternatives off the bench. Holding a well rounded roster, they could cruise into the the latter phases of the league.
PROBABLE STARTING 5: Jamal Murray; Gary Harris; Will Barton; Paul Millsap; Nikola Jokic
PLAYOFF LIKELIHOOD: 7/10