Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA;
Emmanuel Mudiay(China) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets
Last Year’s Outcome: 30-52, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: 41-Win season
Why: This is a major best-case scenario for the team from Mile High. They appear to have gotten a steal in rookie Emmanuel Mudiay, who gives the team a much needed emotional lift after the Ty Lawson disaster. If the flashes we have seen from Danilo Gallinari in FIBA play carry over to the NBA, the Nuggets could be a lot better than expected.
The team has talent, that has ever been an issue. Brian Shaw was unable to harness the talent last season, so the Nuggets brought in Mike Malone (the Boogie Whisperer). After his ability to reach DeMarcus Cousins, Malone figures to be a great candidate for the job.
Worst-Case Scenario: 18-Win Season
Why: Despite the optimism spin above, there are a lot more things that could go wrong in Denver than what could go right. Mudiay is young and unproven, and health issues have always hampered Gallinari. Wilson Chandler is a solid player and Jusuf Nurkic has shown flashes, but overall the roster is not overly talented. Kenneth Faried has not lived up to his potential hype and things could go bad quickly if Malone isn’t careful.
What Will Probably Happen: 34-Win Season
Why: The Nuggets have some reason for optimism, that is without a doubt. Unfortunately, there are just too many questions on the roster to expect a playoff appearance this season. Mudiay will take some time to adjust to the NBA game and it is uncertain how things will shake out with the rest of the roster.
Faried’s future is far from certain in Denver, and maybe Malone can work some of his magic on Faried and turn him into what many people thought he could be. For now, the Nuggets seem on a road back to the lottery at the end of the year.
Next: Detroit Pistons