Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets surprised a lot of fans when they advanced to the Western Conference Finals last season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray form an elite duo that has proven to play well with each other. After beating the Jazz and Clippers and giving the Lakers a competitive series expectations have been raised for the Nuggets this season.
The Nuggets did lose Jerami Grant, Torey Craig, Mason Plumlee, and Troy Daniels in free agency, but made some great additions to their team. The Nuggets added JaMychal Green and Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. The additions of rookies Facundo Campazzo, RJ Hampton, Markus Howard, and Zeke Nnaji give the team more interesting players to go along with the intriguing prospects of Bol Bol and Michael Porter Jr.
Facundo Campazzo has been one of the best point guards in the Euroleague before his addition to the Nuggets. Campazzo was the starting point guard on Real Madrid and lead Argentina to the Final in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, ultimately losing to Spain. Campazzo is a feisty and undersized (5-foot-11) point guard that plays tough defense, can create his own shot and sees the floor well. Expect Campazzo to be a key contributor for the Nuggets off the bench and give the team some toughness and excellent two-way play.
Michael Porter Jr. should be the starting small forward and remains a player with All-Star potential because of his offensive versatility, but will need to improve his play on the defensive end to not be a liability on that end of the floor. Jokic remains the most gifted passing center in the game and can score in the post and hit the three. Jokic could win the MVP if he continues his upward trajectory and leads the team to another deep playoff run.
Expect Murray to make his first All-Star team and have multiple scoring outbursts over the course of the season. A midseason trade could make the Nuggets an even better team as they look to build off an impressive postseason run.