NBA: Ranking the top 10 contenders to begin the 2019-20 season
By Marc Sherman
7. Denver Nuggets
The surprise team of the league, the Denver Nuggets, placed second in the West with a 54-28 record. Nikola Jokic posted an MVP stat line a season ago with averages of 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
The underrated Jokic averaged a near triple-double last season at the age of 23 and elevated his play into the playoffs. The Joker and Jamal Murray had stellar postseasons and have proven to be one of the young, rising dynamic duos in the NBA.
Murray inked a max deal this offseason of five-years, $170 million, solidifying his future in the Mile High after averaging 18 points and five assists.
Denver ranked seventh in the league on offense and tenth in defense last year. The Nuggets possess, arguably, the deepest roster in the NBA, along with one of the youngest core of athletes. Players such as Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic, Malik Beasley, Monte Morris, and even first-year player Michael Porter Jr., all comprise this deep roster.
Mike Malone will look to guide his young squad further into the postseason after they were defeated by the Trail Blazers in seven games. Youth and inexperience played a large part in their demise. Moreover, their young core gained another year of experience that will benefit them in the future.
The continuity and depth of this roster, along with their 33-8 home record will prove to be beneficial factors. The Nuggets have all the tools to contend for a championship and, now, the experience to pose as a viable threat in the Western Conference.