Offensive prowess and chemistry could carry the Nuggets to the playoffs, Jordan Hicks of Basketball Insiders declares in his detailed season preview. They finished sixth last season in points per game and fifth in assists and that should only improve with the free agent addition of Isaiah Thomas, Hicks continues. They also have a handful of core players who have been together for at least one season and their 0n-court chemistry is a major plus, Hicks adds.
We have more on the Nuggets:
- Swingman Will Barton should move into the lineup at small forward, the first time he’s had a full-time starting spot, according to Nuggets insider Chris Dempsey. Barton re-signed with the club this summer on four-year, $53MM contract and that spot opened up when Denver traded away Wilson Chandler to the Sixers. Barton will essentially give the Nuggets a three-guard lineup, a look that was highly effective for them a season ago, Dempsey notes.
- Forward Trey Lyles could be the team’s breakout player this season, Dempsey writes in another profile. Lyles could average 25 or more minutes per game and will be counted on, along with Thomas, to provide scoring punch off the bench, Dempsey continues. Lyles excelled in nearly every offensive action last season, Dempsey notes, providing the best combination of 3-point shooting and post-ups other than Nikola Jokic.
- Shooting guard Malik Beasley is poised to see an uptick in minutes, Dempsey predicts in still another player profile. Beasley showed defensive tenacity during summer league games and he’s worked diligently on his jump shooting and ball-handling, Dempsey adds. Beasley appeared in 62 games last season but averaged just 9.5 MPG.
Six seed.
I could see six seed, but I also think they could be a six seed like the Pelicans where if they get a good first round matchup, they could make noise in the playoffs.
Agree guys. There is no way Denver doesn’t make the playoffs this year, they have such a talented team, so many good players & young guys with huge potential, really exciting to see them play this year, can’t wait.
Don’t know if they make it or not, but I expect if they don’t, Malone will be gone.
6th seed right behind Phoenix
Phoenix as the 5 seed? lmao sure
Phoenix 5th? Crack must be on sale in the Desert
Lmaoooo the suns wont make the playoffs this year…. or next. That team has hardly any talent
Lyles will break out. I even wanted Love traded for him, though a Love extension is also good.