NBA: 6 Team blueprints that could be on the line in the playoffs

Philadelphia 76ers James Harden (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia 76ers James Harden (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
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Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are likely going to enter the NBA Playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference but this is a team that seems to be struggling at the worst possible time. The good news is that the team still has a few weeks left in the regular season to try and figure things out. However, you can’t help but feel as if this is somewhat of a do-or-die year for the Nuggets in the West.

Since making the Western Conference Finals in the bubble playoffs three years ago, the Nuggets have taken two steps back in the postseason. Two years ago, they lost in the second round, and then last season (without Jamal Murray), the team lost in the first round. In what has been an inconsistent West, this seems to be the year for the Nuggets.

If the Nuggets do end up disappointing in the playoffs, would it be all that surprising if we saw somewhat of a change to the team’s overall blueprint? I’m not saying the Nuggets would blow up the roster but it would not be surprising if they made a tangible change to the team’s core if they feel it would give them a better chance to win a title in the midst of Nikola Jokic’s prime.