7. Denver Nuggets
Starters – Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, Danillo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic
Bench – Jameer Nelson, Will Barton, Wilson Chandler, Darrell Arthur, Joffrey Lauvergne
Mudiay had a solid rookie campaign, and for someone that barely played in an international league, held his own against NBA-level competition.
Yes I am aware that the Nuggets drafted Jamal Murray, and no, I don’t see him beating out Gary Harris. Harris is that good, and will only get better.
While Gallinari and Chandler are both injury prone, Chandler is coming off a more severe injury and should come off the bench. Plus, do you see Mike Malone taking Faried out of the starting 5?
Jokic finished 3rd in ROTY voting last season, so his spot is safe.
I’ve been drawn to Jameer Nelson’s game ever since I really started following the NBA, and until Murray is ready, will hold down the backup PG responsibilities.
Will Barton is an exciting 6th man (think a poor man’s Vince Carter when he was in Toronto), and Wilson Chandler is an underrated combo forward (*cough whoIwishtheCelticswouldtradefor cough*). Sorry, something in my throat.
I honestly had a Lauvergne-Nurkic bench frontcourt for the longest time, but then double-checked the team’s transactions and saw they re-signed Darrell Arthur for three years. A trade is coming soon, it has to. The Nuggets just have too much talent.
This bench is probably the most subject to change due to their surplus of forwards and guards, but for right now ranks among the league’s best.
Next: No. 6