Denver Nuggets: A true threat to come out of the West?

The Denver Nuggets might not have big-name stars on their roster, but they will certainly be a threat to come out of the Western Conference in the playoffs

The Denver Nuggets are an interesting and, still, somewhat surprising team despite what they managed to accomplish last season. Amongst the top of the Western Conference standings, each team is littered with big-name stars.

From LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with the LA Clippers to James Harden and Russell Westbrook with the Houston Rockets, the top West teams feature some of the biggest stars in the league.

However, that can’t exactly be said about the Nuggets, who are sitting as the second seed in the conference. Their biggest star, and most talented player on their roster, Nikola Jokic is arguably the most overlooked “star” in the league. He’s not flashy, nor does he look like your prototypical star in the league. However, he gets the job done.

Jokic is having another MVP-like season, averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly seven assists per game. He’s almost averaging a triple-double for the season, as a 7-footer. He can shoot, initiate the offense, and is a great rebounder. He also has amazing footwork and quickness for his size. No one will mistake him for being the fastest man on the floor, but he manages to get the job done every night.

Another one of the team’s hidden gems is Jamal Murray, who has been sensational during the month of February. During the month, Murray is averaging 25 points, six assists, and three rebounds per game on 55 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.

Michael Porter Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance off the bench this season and no question is going to be a key cog for the Nuggets moving forward. However, patience will be the key with MPJ as he continues to learn the ins and out of the league. Paul Millsap, the team’s 14-year veteran presence, has been solid once again for the Nuggets this season as he’s averaging 12 points and six rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Even though the team’s best two players aren’t exactly household names among NBA circles, what this team does have is chemistry and heart. They are five games back of the top-seeded Lakers and one game ahead of the Clippers for the second seed.

One thing is clear, this organization has players buying into the concept of winning. When the playoffs begin, the Nuggets won’t be a cakewalk for any Western Conference team. They present a number of matchup problems for any team in the West and have plenty of shooting to take over a series.

The Denver Nuggets won’t likely be favored against any other top teams in the West, but they certainly should be taken seriously.