As our NBA season previews continue, we look at reigning-MVP Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets who return healthier and hungrier as they dream of securing the franchise’s first NBA title. Their 2021-22 season ended with a first-round loss to eventual champions Golden State after Jokić dragged the squad to 48 wins without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. In these previews, we will take a look at the key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key acquisitions
The biggest move Denver made this offseason was shipping off Monte Morris and Will Barton to the Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. An NBA champion with the Lakers in 2020, Caldwell-Pope is a solid point-of-attack defence whose three-point shooting and cutting ability should mesh handsomely with Jokić. This past season in Washington, the 29-year-old appeared in 77 games averaging 13.2 ppg and shooting 39.0% on 5.3 three-point attempts per game.
Former-Net Bruce Brown, who Denver signed to a two-year, $13 million deal this offseason, also firms as a steady rotation piece for the team this upcoming season. Brown played his way into Brooklyn’s rotation by the end of the season and managed to put up back-to-back 20-point games in their first-round playoff loss to Boston. In 72 games last season with the Nets, he averaged 9.0 ppg and 4.8 rpg and shooting upwards of 40 per cent from three, albeit on low volume.
Fantasy stars
Jokić is the highest-ranked centre in the fantasy world after securing back-to-back MVPs this past season. The 27-year-old appeared in 74 games and averaged 27.1 ppg, 13.8 rpg, and 7.9 apg on .661 TS%. One of the best offensive players in NBA history, Jokić is this team’s engine and how far they go will depend largely on his carrying ability.
Projected Finish
Jeremy and I both envision Denver having a strong season and vying for home-court come the opening round of the playoffs. Jokić has a legitimate argument for being the world’s best player and will start this season with Murray and Porter Jr. alongside him – a luxury he did not have last season. There is a tonne to like about their roster and coaching staff and, if things break their way, a deep playoff run could be on the cards.
