Rumors are just that, and so far, it’s just a rumor that the Denver Nuggets are one of the possible landing places for NBA free agent LeBron James. Then again, it started out as just a rumor that Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning might be interested in becoming a Denver Bronco back in the spring of 2012. Look how that turned out.
It’s not likely to happen this time, given that LeBron wants to produce a heart-tugging TV/movie documentary out of what is expected to be the final season of his illustrious two plus decades career. The fitting place for all this to take place is the same place his journey began, back in Cleveland. It makes too much sense for him not to return to the Cavaliers.
But let’s just pretend for a moment that James decides to take his talents to the Mile High. What would that mean for the Nuggets as they currently exist?
Start with the reality that James is now 41 years old and is not the dominant force he was during his considerable prime. Back in the day he was almost indestructible, rarely missing games. But Father Time has caught up to him and the likelihood is that he’ll play in about half of the 82 games on the schedule. And he’s allegedly going to play for the NBA veteran’s minimum salary.
If you’re the Nuggets, you’d take that, given LeBron’s experience and still valuable skill set. He’s now listed as a “power forward.” That’s the same position that oft-injured Aaron Gordon plays when he’s available. If you had them both to play what Denver describes as “the dunker’s spot” you might be all set – as long as they weren’t both on the injured list at the same time. (There’s no guarantee that won’t happen, of course). When healthy, James can play a physical brand of ball, which is something Denver badly needs.
On this team, James would not be counted on to carry the load – only a small portion of it. And his considerable drive to win might actually rejuvenate the stagnant Nuggets locker room. One title might be enough for most of the current occupants in that room, but with James, it’s “not one, not two, not three…” You get the picture.
Perhaps James’ work ethic (and you can’t stay in NBA playing shape when you’re north of 40 if you don’t work your behind off) can rub off on some of Denver’s underachievers, like Zeke Nnaji or DaRon Holmes, perhaps? Both are bigs that don’t often play big. Maybe hearing a nightly critique from one of the best ever might spur some improvement.
In Denver, this still is (for now) Nikola Jokic’s team. Bringing in James would not change that. By providing what appears to be a low-cost addition at a position of need, you’re only giving Joker more options in terms of ball distribution, and another weapon (even if it’s part-time) for opponents to worry about. While James himself isn’t going to help the Nuggets interior defense all that much, he could be the guy to spur improvements in some of the others on the roster who are more physically capable than what they’ve shown.
Ironically, in the ‘Great Debate’ over who is the ‘Greatest of All Time’ between James and Michael Jordan (and there are a few others worthy of inclusion in that discussion), it often comes down to the idea that MJ was better at making those around him better, especially the non-stars. If James came to Denver and the Nuggets ended up winning another title, it would be because he did exactly what they’ve said he doesn’t do – he would have helped make Denver’s ‘other’ players a whole lot better.
There’s certainly no downside to that.
Strike 1: Could LeBron James really fit in with the Denver Nuggets? Mile High Sports.
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