Why aren’t we all talking about the Denver Nuggets?
There are so many reasons not to. The Golden State Warriors’ inevitable march to a championship feels like it’s begun. The Nuggets, while they’re currently second in the West, just came off three losses in a row, including an inexplicable defeat at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. The scorching-hot Oklahoma City Thunder have more star power.
I sort of get it: They don’t have a traditional superstar, they’ve been built mostly through the draft and don’t have a flashy big name coaching them.
But on a day after the Dubs lost a game and tip-in gave the Nuggets a last-second win over the Sacramento Kings, it’s time for us to wonder if this is the team to worry about in the West. Here’s why:
1. Nikola Jokic is one of the NBA’s best players and still seems underrated
There are times when you might think Jokic’s offensive game sometime’s resembles that of the dude at the YMCA, but that shouldn’t matter. The seven-footer is arguably the league’s best passing big man and is a triple-double machine (12 this season). That aforementioned offensive game is also more creative than you think:
2. They’re deep as heck at the guard position
It feels like the Nuggets are an upstart mid-major NCAA team at times with so many guards to throw at opponents. Jamal Murray, in a third-year breakout, is joined by Will Barton, Malik Beasley and Monte Morris, all of whom can take turns scoring and dishing depending on who’s got the hot hand. And then there’s this guy …
3. Isaiah Thomas is back
By now you know the story: He averaged 28.9 ppg with the Celtics, got traded for Kyrie Irving, didn’t quite fit with the Cavs, got dealt to the Lakers and got surgery on his hip after 17 games with Los Angeles.
Then he signed with the Nuggets with a one-year, $2 million contract. He’s out to prove he’s healthy and effective, and this is a perfect spot for him: Once he’s gotten up to speed, he’ll come off the bench to be the scorer we know he can be. In just 13 minutes Wednesday night, he scored eight points with a couple of treys.
Hear that home crowd reaction? That’s a factor, too.
4. Their advance stats tell a fascinating tale
The Nuggets are third in offensive rating behind the Rockets and Warriors, lead the league in offensive rebound and overall rebound percentage. And then there’s this: They’re 27th in pace, just ahead of the Rockets.
That means they can slow a game down against a fast team like the Kings (second in pace) or Thunder (third), take their time and find the right shot.
5. The Warriors love the Nuggets’ head coach, Mike Malone
This has to mean something:
In their post-All-Star break schedule, Malone will test just how good his team is in games against the Thunder (twice), the Warriors, the Rockets and a home-and-home late in the season against the Trail Blazers.
If you’re not talking about this squad now, it’s time. The Nuggets are really good, and even if they can’t take down the Warriors, the future is so bright a mile high.
