Denver Nuggets: The 2018 NBA offseason summary and recap
Looking back at what the Denver Nuggets did right and wrong during the 2018 NBA offseason, including the draft and free agency
Had it not been for Paul Millsap missing a good chunk of the 2017-18 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets probably break their playoff drought and secure a spot in the Western Conference’s top 8. However, now’s not the time to play the what if game.
The bottom line is that the Nuggets are close to breaking through, but every time it seems that they’re about to the West somehow becomes even more stout.
And that’s exactly what happened once again this summer, with LeBron James making the Los Angeles Lakers another obstacle that will stand in the way of the Nuggets securing a playoff berth next season.
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Nevertheless, the Nuggets did what they could to keep their core together this summer.
A big goal for this team this summer was keeping Will Barton and extending Nikola Jokic, and that’s exactly what they accomplished. Even though they had to trade Wilson Chandler and Kenneth Faried in the process, you can’t complain.
They managed to keep two big parts of their limited success over the last season, and also managed to arguably get the steal of the draft.
With the 14th pick in the draft, the Nuggets snagged Michael Porter Jr., who was free-falling on draft night. Turns out, he needed another procedure on his back – and that’s probably the biggest reason why he fell from being a top 10 pick to the last player taken in the lottery.
But at 14, the Nuggets couldn’t pass on a talent like MPJ. When healthy, he’s potentially a generational talent. If he had never sustained an injury at Missouri, he’s likely the No. 1 or 2 selection in this draft.
The best thing about MPJ landing in Denver is that they can bring him around slowly. There’s no rush, and he can rehab at a comfortable speed. And if he comes back this season, it’s icing on the cake.
dark. Next. Dallas Mavericks: The 2018 NBA offseason summary and recap
Denver polished off their successful offseason by inking Isaiah Thomas to a one-year deal. Thomas will likely anchor the team’s second unit, and has proven to be effective in that role.
The Denver Nuggets will be an interesting team this upcoming season, and this could be the year for a break through.