The Denver Nuggets’ players and coaching staff finished 2014 in disarray and in desperate need of rejuvenation. After a busy off-season which saw multiple roster changes and the hiring of new head coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets will look to sculpt an enduring identity in the Mile-High City with a combination of old and new faces.
Denver will open their 2015 campaign on Oct. 28 against the Houston Rockets. Leading them will be new head coach Michael Malone, someone who implements a slow and defensive play style. Historically, the Nuggets have been a fast-paced team with great home success in high altitude.
However, that style never held up in the playoffs and the organization decided to ditch the up-tempo game when they hired Brian Shaw in 2013. The marriage only lasted one and a half seasons, as the roster was still built to run while Shaw preached half-court possession. For Malone to succeed, the organization must be more flexible with roster changes and commit to meshing the right talents with this defensive vision.
The Nuggets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference not only because of questionable staff moves, but mismanagement of assets.
The most talented player in Denver for the last five seasons was Ty Lawson, a fleet-footed point guard with elite vision and a nose for the basket. He was traded in the offseason to the Rockets for a protected pick, along with four bottom-tiered players, all of whom have been waived. Lawson struggled with character problems up until the day he was traded, but he possessed significant trade value even last February up until the deadline. To let talent leak out of the organization for such little return typifies the lack of vision the Nuggets have possessed in recent seasons.
Despite the disappointment associated with the Ty Lawson-saga, hope abounds at the point guard position in 2015. First round pick (no. 7 overall) Emmanuel Mudiay is an outstanding talent at only 19 years of age. He will slot into the starting lineup immediately, giving the Nuggets their highest potential for star power since Carmelo Anthony. Mudiay played professionally in China last season instead of heading to college, receiving less publicity and attention during his draft year. Often compared to John Wall, the insanely athletic 6’5” guard is at his best when attacking the basket where he can finish strong or distribute the ball.
Other young players include Gary Harris, Will Barton, Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic and Joffrey Lauvergne. Nurkic possesses the most upside in the group, as the center’s fearless attitude and relentless rebounding earned him a fan favorite reputation amongst Nuggets fans in 2014.
Veterans Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari will anchor the team and provide stability by logging big minutes. While each has been the subject of trade rumors in recent seasons, all three are currently in the prime of their careers with something to prove.
The Nuggets added three-point specialist Mike Miller despite him being 35 years old.
Many scratched their heads at the signing, as he will be taking away meaningful minutes from developing players. However, Miller epitomizes everything the Nuggets wish to be. He can knock down shots in a half-court set and play sound defense. He’s recently won two NBA Championships in Miami with LeBron James. Most importantly, Miller brings character, responsibility and focus to a formerly troubled and lackadaisical locker room.
The Nuggets are once again attempting to construct a new identity after a failed season. This time, however, the plan is being anchored by a structured coach, a potential star in the backcourt and some small evidences of willingness to change.
