"He's a guy who can guard (positions) 1 through 4," Malone said, according to Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. The move was partially forced due to Chandler and Gallinari being shut down for the season, but the Nuggets still actively sacrificed offense to tighten up in the back. It picked up JaKarr Sampson, who was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers midseason, and Malone almost immediately handed him the starting job. Denver lacks the positional versatility to switch the pick-and-roll effectively, although it admittedly tried to address the issue. Head coach Mike Malone preaches defensive discipline but doesn't have the right personnel to employ a solid scheme. Faried has always been erratic, and there is no reliable stopper at the point. Below-average defenders who log big minutes hurt the whole, and the Nuggets have several of them. Discover a Defensive Identityĭenver surrendered 106.4 points per 100 possessions this season, ranking 24th, according to NBA.com. Atlanta Hawks were listening to offers for Jeff Teague earlier this season, according to Yahoo's Chris Mannix he's the player type who could provide an instant boost.Įither way, Denver needs to pick a clear direction and construct its roster accordingly. If Denver doesn't believe that's a foundational trio, it could concoct trade packages in pursuit of immediate help. The forward spots are set with Gallinari and Chandler, but there is still some inconsistency at the point. The Nuggets could add to that core through the draft while looking to move their veterans for players in their early 20s. Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Kenneth Faried -Denver's three highest-paid players -will all be in their 30s by the time the young ones peak.īuilding a team around Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris and Jokic isn't a ludicrous notion. Ideally, a team's best players should reach their prime simultaneously to maximize a contention window. That type of complexion leads to an internal dilemma: D o you try to win every game or sacrifice the veterans' minutes to develop youngsters? The Nuggets roster is an awkward mix of inexperienced players and mid-career guys in their primes. That's why hitting rock bottom for a season is the preferred route -it provides a shot at drafting a potential superstar, in turn bringing hope and excitement.
Some fans can buy into a smart rebuilding process, but there has to be an incentive to watch. Throwing together mediocre teams isn't going to get it done. Denver's front office has been obstinate in its dealings, refusing to bottom out in a desperate attempt to remain relevant, and it has partially backfired. So we have to find a way-coaches and players-to protect our home court." We don't have a home-court advantage. When we do have people in the building, they're rooting for the other team. Unfortunately, attendance has plummeted over the last couple of years, hitting rock bottom among NBA teams this season, according to ESPN.ĭenver head coach Mike Malone had the following to say on the worrying trend, according to Paul Klee of the Gazette: "It's up to us. Even though Denver has never appeared to be true a basketball city, fans can still get behind a competitive, hardworking group. The Nuggets dropped 23 games at Pepsi Center this year, and a lack of talent isn't the only issue.Īs banal as it may sound, the Nuggets are simply not exciting enough. The high altitude, a run-and-gun offense and a passionate crowd made Denver one of the toughest visits. The Nuggets had an exceptional 38-3 home record in 2012-13.
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