Following the Denver Nuggets’ victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in five games last April, five out of the six NBA writers on this site predicted they would defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, 14 of ESPN’s 16 experts agreed. As the No. 2 seed, the Nuggets had an identical record to the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Nikola Jokic had recently claimed his third MVP award in four seasons, and Jamal Murray was coming off the best regular season of his career. The Timberwolves presented challenges with their size, yet I believed that, even in close games, the Nuggets’ superior execution in critical moments would give them the advantage.
However, Denver lost Game 1 at home. In Game 2, they managed only 80 points, even with the Wolves missing Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Nevertheless, the Nuggets responded impressively, winning three consecutive games, only to be blown out in Game 6. They even collapsed after building a 20-point lead in Game 7. Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics, like many of us, believed Denver matched up better against them than any other team, yet that matchup never materialized. Instead, we witnessed a diminished Murray during the Olympics and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing with the Orlando Magic. Given that the Nuggets feature the best player in the world, there are substantial questions regarding their immediate future.
One pressing question is who will step into Caldwell-Pope’s role. In an alternate scenario, Bruce Brown could have filled that position, but he departed after the championship, leaving the likely candidate as 23-year-old wing Christian Braun. While he may turn out to be a solid fifth starter, concerns linger about the increasingly shallow bench. The front office, led by Calvin Booth, not only invested in several young players — one of whom, Peyton Watson, injured his hamstring early in training camp – but also signed veterans Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric during the offseason. It’s a peculiar mix, yet the primary components remain the same as they were in 2023, so it seems reasonable to still label Denver as a contender… right?
The Current Landscape
Last year: Despite parting ways with Brown and Jeff Green, the Nuggets achieved a 57-25 record (ranking No. 5 in offense and No. 8 in defense), surpassing their championship season’s performance. Nonetheless, depth continued to be a concern, and Denver did not receive sufficient contributions from its role players against the Timberwolves.
The offseason: After signing with Orlando, KCP remarked that the Nuggets should have been eliminated by the Lakers in the first round. DaRon Holmes II, drafted at No. 22, suffered an Achilles injury during summer league, heightening the importance of Saric’s integration into the second unit since he was signed with the taxpayer midlevel exception. The Nuggets traded away two second-round picks to release Reggie Jackson and granted Westbrook a second-year player option on his minimum deal. Murray received a four-year max extension, and Vlatko Cancar and DeAndre Jordan returned on one-year minimum contracts. Gordon is still in line for an extension as well, while Justin Holiday, the seventh man in last year’s playoff rotation, remains unsigned“`html
This season, shooting 52% at the rim and 22% from three-point range illustrates the Nuggets’ two most significant weaknesses: floor spacing and bench production. These issues cannot be resolved without Murray performing at his best; presently, he is far from peak condition, leading to an early end to their playoff aspirations.
The conversation
Nuggets believer: There’s no need for you to make the case against the Nuggets because I already anticipate your arguments: KCP should still be part of the team. Jamal Murray’s performance at the Olympics was subpar. Russell Westbrook is bound to be a failure. Calvin Booth shouldn’t have overpaid Dario Saric this summer, nor should he have given Zeke Nnaji too much money last year. And for a second consecutive season, he’s assigned Michael Malone a bench filled with young players who aren’t ready for the playoffs and veterans who have lost their effectiveness. It’s such a shame to see a franchise fail its best player, who is arguably the greatest in the world.
Nuggets skeptic: [silence]
Nuggets believer: Want more reasoning? I’m sure you’ll lecture me about how the Nuggets don’t shoot enough three-pointers, rarely reach the free-throw line, and hardly force turnovers. You might argue that Nikola Jokic is a joy to watch, but why can’t this foolish front office lighten his load? Surely, there must be someone who can inform the Nuggets that they’re allowed to score fast-break points now and then!
Nuggets skeptic: [silence]
Nuggets believer: Aha! I knew you lacked any fresh insights. You were likely planning to reference some stats to highlight the appalling performance during the non-Jokic minutes last season, but I’m prepared: In the 862 possessions where Murray played without Jokic, Denver was outscored by 15.7 points per 100 possessions, and their offense ranked worse than the league’s worst team, the Grizzlies, according to Cleaning The Glass. You would consider that embarrassing, wouldn’t you?
Nuggets skeptic: [silence]
Nuggets believer: Exactly, I’ve got you figured out. Just another casual observer of a team that is being seriously overlooked as a championship contender. You can critique Booth’s front office and complain about Malone’s coaching tactics all you want for now, but be prepared to reconsider your petty grievances when the Nuggets make it back to the Finals. The regular season hasn’t even started yet, yet it’s already clear they’ll be fantastic again. Malone wouldn’t have described Murray as “healthy” and “explosive” if he were still experiencing the limitations he faced at the Olympics. Westbrook might be unpredictable, but he also addresses several of the “flaws” that have everyone in a tizzy—he can secure points in transition, reach the free-throw line, apply pressure on the rim, and create three-point opportunities for others. Braun may not provide the same perimeter threat as KCP, but he is bigger, stronger, and a much better defensive fit. His capacity to defend larger wings enables Aaron Gordon to act
Done! I could discuss the 2024-25 Denver Nuggets and their misjudgments for hours. To summarize my impending manifesto on the topic: The way people perceive the Nuggets reflects many issues in sports discussions. Instead of recognizing that they have established a consistently elite offense led by a truly unique and transcendent superstar, critics complain that they don’t operate in the same manner as everyone else. Instead of commending Murray for playing through a calf injury and an elbow injury during the playoffs—where he delivered multiple game-winners and represented Canada despite not being at full strength—people criticize his performance metrics in those circumstances. Rather than acknowledging that lineups with their four returning starters boasted a plus-13.2 point differential last season, individuals bemoan the loss of the fifth starter as if he were a superstar. What if the Nuggets are particularly challenging to stop in crucial moments partly because they don’t depend on three-pointers, fouls, or turnovers? What if Murray’s perseverance through pain is one factor that endears him to the front office, leading them to confidently invest in him long-term? What if the front office is optimistic that Braun can elevate the team’s potential, and that exposing him to tough situations is the best way to aid his growth? I understand that the Nuggets didn’t acquire Paul George or make any major trades this summer, but they won the championship two seasons ago and might have repeated if not for one disastrous second half against Minnesota. Teams of this caliber don’t need to make sweeping changes, and as long as the league struggles to counter the Murray-Jokic two-man game, I find no reason to doubt this team. Remember the excitement among basketball analysts when Aaron Gordon first joined Denver? The Nuggets are significantly stronger now, and they have been battle-tested. I would have chosen them against the Celtics last season, and I’m ready to pick them for the 2025 title today. I don’t care that they aren’t the latest trend.
Nuggets skeptic: Well, that was quite a lot. Your manifesto sounds intriguing, though. Have you ever considered that you might be a bit defensive about the Nuggets? Perhaps a tad insecure about their championship prospects? If so, I’m curious as to why that might be! Regardless, you did a commendable job outlining several of the team’s potential issues before subtly dismissing them. All I was planning to convey—had you not assumed my views—is that we are about to learn a great deal about this team and the front office that constructed it. I know the four returning starters work excellently together, and I acknowledge that Braun can at least contribute in the playoffs. KCP, Bruce Brown, and Jeff Green played vital roles during the title run, yet I have no idea if the complementary players current on this roster can adequately replace them. Just months ago, Malone excluded Peyton Watson from the playoff rotation because he was being ignored defensively. Simultaneously, Westbrook, as a member of the Clippers, was going completely off the rails. I might have reservations about awarding Murray all that guaranteed funding, but I’m not planning to criticize Booth for that—I’m willing to believe he is better informed about Murray’s physical condition than the average fan. However, I’m less inclined to trust Booth regarding the young players’ readiness for top-tier competition and the talent drain post-title. Still, while I can’t speak for the basketball community, I look forward to seeing Murray and Jokic execute their two-man game against the Thunder on October 24, and I’m open to the possibility that this roster possesses all the necessary elements. This (reasonable, somewhat critical) viewpoint doesn’t lend itself to a manifesto, but it beats making predictions based on blind optimism. Based on what we know at this moment, I’ll take OKC in both the season opener and in the West.
Challenges Ahead: The Denver Nuggets Navigate a Crucial Season Post-Championship
The Burden of Expectations
After clinching their first NBA Championship in 2023, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in a unique position: the target is now on their back. Defending a title comes with heightened expectations from fans, media, and rival teams. The pressure to perform can create challenges that test the team’s resilience and cohesion.
Managing Pressure
- Heightened Media Scrutiny: Every game will be analyzed more deeply, making it crucial for players and coaches to stay focused.
- Fan Expectations: The Nuggets’ fanbase has grown more enthusiastic, expecting consistent wins and deep playoff runs.
Key Player Dynamics
The core of the Nuggets, including star center Nikola Jokić, plays a significant role in the team’s success. However, navigating personal dynamics and maintaining team chemistry post-championship can be tricky, especially with potential changes in the roster.
Roster Adjustments
Recently, the Nuggets signed Will Richardson, Andrew Funk, and Charles Bediako to training camp contracts, indicating a strategy to bolster their roster depth [[1](https://www.si.com/nba/nuggets/news/denver-nuggets-sign-multiple-players-after-celtics-preseason-games-01j9s78gygeg)]. These additions may bring fresh energy but also require adjustments in the team dynamics.
Injury Management
Injuries can derail any team’s championship aspirations. The Nuggets must prioritize health to maintain their competitive edge throughout the season. Utilizing advanced sports science and medical staff will be crucial in this regard.
Competition Landscape
The NBA is known for its competitive balance, and the Nuggets will face numerous challenges from both established teams and rising contenders.
Rivalry with the Western Conference
Teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns are also looking to reclaim their spots atop the Western Conference. The Nuggets need to be prepared for fierce competition, particularly in critical matchups that could influence playoff seeding.
Emerging Teams
Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks have shown growth, making them potential threats to the Nuggets’ title defense.
Coaching Strategies
Head coach Michael Malone has done an excellent job leading the Nuggets to a championship. However, adapting coaching strategies for a title defense is essential.
Offensive and Defensive Adjustments
To remain competitive, Malone must continually evolve the team’s offensive and defensive schemes:
- Offensive Schemes: Utilizing Jokić’s unique skill set will remain pivotal. Incorporating new plays to leverage fresh talent will be essential.
- Defensive Strategies: Focusing on a strong defense to counter fast-paced offenses will help the Nuggets maintain their edge.
Fan Engagement and Community Support
The Denver Nuggets have a passionate fan base that plays a significant role in the team’s success. Engaging with fans and fostering community support can enhance the team’s morale and performance.
Building Fan Loyalty
Strategies to strengthen fan connections include:
- Community Events: Hosting meet-and-greets or charity events can deepen ties between players and fans.
- Social Media Engagement: Actively engaging on platforms like Twitter and Instagram keeps fans informed and connected.
Utilizing Analytics and Technology
In today’s NBA, leveraging technology and analytics has become vital for success. The Nuggets can utilize data to enhance performance and make informed decisions.
Performance Analytics
- Player Efficiency Metrics: Tracking player statistics to evaluate performance and inform coaching decisions.
- In-Game Analytics: Real-time data analysis during games can help coaches make strategic adjustments.
Financial Considerations
The financial landscape for the Nuggets has changed following their championship win. Managing the salary cap and player contracts will be crucial as they look to maintain a competitive roster.
Contract Management
As players’ contracts expire and new deals are on the table, the front office must make strategic decisions to ensure long-term success while adhering to salary cap regulations.
Psychological Resilience
A championship season brings not just physical challenges but mental hurdles. The Nuggets must cultivate psychological resilience to handle the pressures of defending their title.
Team Building Activities
Incorporating team bonding exercises can enhance trust and camaraderie, helping players cope with the stressors of a championship defense.
Case Study: Previous Champions’ Challenges
Looking at previous NBA champions provides insights into navigating the complexities of a title defense:
- Golden State Warriors (2015-2016): Faced immense pressure, leading to a historic 73-win season but ultimately falling short in the Finals.
- Miami Heat (2012-2013): Managed to maintain focus and cohesion, successfully defending their title to become champions again.
Practical Tips for Success
For the Nuggets to thrive during this crucial season, they can adopt the following strategies:
- Stay Grounded: Focus on fundamentals to avoid distractions from external pressures.
- Embrace Adaptation: Be willing to adjust game plans and roster strategies as the season progresses.
- Prioritize Health: Invest in player health through proactive injury management.
Conclusion
As the Denver Nuggets embark on a new season post-championship, the road ahead is riddled with challenges. By focusing on team dynamics, strategic adjustments, fan engagement, and leveraging technology, they can enhance their chances to defend their title successfully.
