As the 2024-25 NBA season rapidly approaches, the Denver Nuggets find themselves at a critical juncture. After their thrilling NBA championship win in 2022, many expected the Nuggets to continue their dominant run. But recent developments, combined with ongoing concerns about key players and their roles, have raised questions about the team’s future.
In this article, we’ll dissect the state of the Denver Nuggets, their current roster challenges, and the surrounding narratives. Are the Nuggets poised for another championship run, or are they, as some NBA executives suggest, “stuck” in a situation that limits their potential? Let’s dive deep into the storylines that will define the Nuggets’ 2024-25 season.
The Denver Nuggets won their first-ever NBA Championship in 2022, marking a historic achievement for the franchise. With MVP finalist Nikola Jokić leading the way, the team seemed destined to remain one of the NBA’s elite. However, their 2023-24 season didn’t go as smoothly.
In the playoffs, the Nuggets were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in seven games. While the Timberwolves posed a challenging matchup with their defensive schemes focused on Jokić, the series exposed some vulnerabilities in the Nuggets’ roster. The question remains: Can the Nuggets avoid another postseason disappointment and return to the Finals?
Jamal Murray is a key figure in the Nuggets’ lineup, known for his clutch performances and his partnership with Nikola Jokić. Murray was instrumental in the Nuggets’ 2022-23 playoff run, but his struggles last season, particularly in the second-round loss to the Timberwolves, have caused some to question his trajectory.
Murray, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, seemed to regress last year. The ankle injuries that hampered him for much of the 2021-22 season appeared to still have lingering effects in 2023-24. As one anonymous NBA executive suggested, Murray might be “going backward” in terms of performance. This executive pointed out that the Nuggets are “stuck” due to Murray’s lack of growth, which is concerning given his significant contract extension signed just a month prior.
However, it’s important to consider that Murray, at just 27 years old, still has the potential to recover and return to his previous level of play. The criticism may be slightly harsh, as injuries, not a lack of talent, seem to be the primary factor behind his struggles. Furthermore, Murray has yet to make an All-Star team, a distinction that is not out of reach but also doesn’t seem guaranteed with the depth of talent in the Western Conference.
Michael Porter Jr., another crucial player for the Nuggets, has also come under scrutiny. While he was a vital contributor to the team’s 2022 championship run, questions remain about his consistency and his ability to take on a more prominent role.
Porter is often praised for his shooting ability and offensive potential, but critics argue that he hasn’t yet lived up to his billing as a potential star. The comparison between Porter and other role players in the league has led some to label him as “overrated.” The Nuggets have invested heavily in him, but his performance last season, particularly in the postseason, raises concerns about whether he can step up when needed.
The Timberwolves’ defensive strategy last season centered around shutting down Nikola Jokić, forcing the Nuggets into a position where players like Murray and Porter needed to carry the load. Unfortunately for Denver, neither of these players stepped up consistently, leading to a disappointing exit. The Nuggets’ lack of perimeter shooting, combined with the Timberwolves’ defensive prowess, exposed the team’s vulnerabilities.
Nikola Jokić is undoubtedly one of the most talented players the NBA has ever seen. The three-time MVP is widely regarded as the best player in the world. However, despite his extraordinary skill set, there’s a growing concern that Jokić’s greatness may go unfulfilled if the Nuggets fail to support him with a championship-caliber roster.
A recent commentary by Bill Simmons from The Ringer highlighted an alarming possibility: Jokić may never play with another All-NBA player during his career. While Jokić has thrived with Murray and Porter, the fact that neither player has been selected to an All-NBA team raises questions about the sustainability of the current roster structure.
Jokić’s impact on the court goes beyond scoring; his vision, playmaking, and ability to elevate teammates are unparalleled. But as the Nuggets look to compete with other title contenders in the Western Conference, there’s an urgent need for the team to find additional star power. If Murray and Porter are unable to elevate their games, the Nuggets may risk squandering Jokić’s prime years.
One of the biggest challenges the Nuggets face going into the 2024-25 season is their salary cap situation. With a large portion of their cap space tied up in Jokić, Murray, and Porter, the team has limited flexibility to add new talent or adjust the roster.
According to Spotrac, the combined salaries of Jokić, Murray, and Porter account for over 87% of the Nuggets’ salary cap. This leaves the team with very little room to improve their roster through free agency or trades. While Aaron Gordon, another key contributor, has been a valuable asset, the financial commitment to these players limits Denver’s ability to bring in new pieces to help balance the team.
This salary cap dilemma has led to concerns that the Nuggets may not be able to build a sustainable, deep roster around Jokić, ultimately hindering their chances of competing for future championships.
Despite the challenges, the Nuggets have made some attempts to improve their roster. They’ve added young players like Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther, who could play more prominent roles in the upcoming season. While it’s too early to determine how effective these additions will be, the hope is that they can provide valuable depth and fill the gaps left by the departures of key players like Bruce Brown and Jeff Green.
The departures of Bruce Brown and Jeff Green were significant, as both played crucial roles during the Nuggets’ championship run. While the team has tried to replace them with younger talent, it remains to be seen whether these new additions can step up in high-pressure situations.
Coach Michael Malone seems optimistic about players like Strawther and Watson, believing they can contribute significantly in the 2024-25 season. However, the true test will come when the Nuggets face tougher competition in the playoffs.
While the Nuggets face considerable challenges entering the 2024-25 season, they are far from a team without hope. Jokić is still one of the best players in the world, and Murray and Porter have the talent to make significant contributions if they can stay healthy and improve their consistency.
The real question is whether the Nuggets can overcome their financial constraints and roster limitations to contend for another championship. The Western Conference remains as competitive as ever, and Denver will need more than just Jokić to win it all again.
As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Denver Nuggets. With their superstar in Nikola Jokić, the team has the potential to be a serious title contender. But to capitalize on their window of opportunity, they must find ways to address their depth issues, unlock the full potential of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., and navigate the financial constraints that limit their flexibility.
The question remains: Are the Nuggets “stuck,” or can they break through and solidify their legacy as a dynasty in the making?
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