There’s zero chance that this Denver Nuggets roster remains intact. Fact is, it could actually look totally different – with Nikola Jokić staying put and Jamal Murray being a possible trade candidate.
Trading Murray, however, would be this front office’s second big mistake.
The basketball future of Aaron Gordon, however, is in doubt given his health issues. The old saying goes, “the best ability is availability” – and if Gordon and his trainers can’t figure out his problems with recurring soft-tissue injuries, he’s not going to be able to help the Nuggets moving forward. That would be tragic given the impact “Mr. Nugget” has already had here. If he can get and stay healthy, he should remain a Nugget.
Fingers crossed on that one.
As for everyone else on the roster, no one else should be considered untouchable.
Start with the wing players. Cam Johnson’s future as a Nugget in tenuous due to his inconsistent play and big contract. For a while, it looked like trading him after the season would be a given, mainly so the team could fit in a new deal for Peyton Watson. Then Watson went full-Gordon too, with a hamstring injury that simply would not seem to heal. Everyone loves Watson’s upside, and he’ll be a restricted free agent with suitors. Will the Nuggets break the bank (or at least one salary cap ‘apron’) to re-sign him given his health issues?
Or…could Johnson be traded, and could Watson be allowed to leave as a free agent?
Other wing players include Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther. Each has been miscastdue to injuries and depth issues. Jones has had his moments, but he’s in no way a full-time replacement for Gordon, and neither is Strawther (who has difficulty guarding a pylon) or Brown. They aren’t forwards, period. Both Jones and Brown have value, but can also be replaced if they had to be.
The guard position begins with Murray, who had an All-Star season. But he was worn down by the end of it, particularly by the full-court pressure he faced against Minnesota. It helped when Tyus Jones was inserted into the lineup to play the point position, and moving forward, it’s clear to this author that Jamal should be moved to a shooting guard role and have Jones (who should have endeared himself to Nuggets Nation with his play against Minnesota) or someone else become the point man. Jalen Pickett had his moments this year, too. Is he part of the solution? A new ball-handler wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Shifting Murray would mean a shake-up in the starting backcourt. Christian Braun is currently the starter at shooting guard. Problem is, he can’t shoot. His impact this past season was negligible at best – even on defense. Considering his $25 million/five-year contract, which has four long years left on it, it wouldn’t be a tragedy if he were to be part of a trade that ,because of rules, would have to happen after July 1st. Sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. is likely gone after just one season since he’s a free agent now, and will likely get a better offer elsewhere. Is the third Jones, Curtis, a viable replacement? Hopefully the upcoming summer league tells us.
Regardless, a standout come-off-the-bench kind of three-point shooter would be a crucial addition. It will be important for the front office to find one.
Which brings us back to the front court. Jokić is still in his prime, but with Gordon hurt and the uncertainty that surrounds Jonas Valančiūnas – who has a year remaining on his NBA contract that’s only partially guaranteed – adding another ‘big’ is critical. Zeke Nnaji could be a trade candidate, maybe. He has skills, but has never put it together as a Nugget. Otherwise, with the current roster, it’s…”small ball.” Gulp.
Going small against Minnesota was a disaster, and should never be an option ever again. Moving into next season, Denver needs a minimum of four center/power forward types who can battle with teams like Minnesota, regardless which pair is on the floor together. Say what you want about the struggles of Murray, Jokic and others against the T-Wolves, but the biggest issue was size. Denver simply could not match it – and if they want to avoid another playoff flameout next spring, that has to change in this offseason.
Strike 2: Roster shakeups that need to happen for the Nuggets after crushing playoff loss Mile High Sports.
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