Nuggets Need to Focus on Defense in the Draft

Connelly needs to make defense the number one priority in the draft.

Outside of Gary Harris and occasionally Wilson Chandler, the Nuggets lack defensive firepower. Sure, they are an offensive juggernaut, but the defense is a joke as every avid Denver knows. With that in mind, Nuggets GM Tim Connelly needs to focus on rookies who are defensive minded.

This is not to say that offense is an aspect that should be overlooked. But, Denver’s defensive statistics show why the Nuggets had a difficult time keeping opponents under 100 points. Landing a guy like Jonathan Isaac would be a perfect fit for the Nuggets and help them make the next step in their process.

Denver Nuggets

If the defense were improved this past season, Denver would have been able to actually sneak into post season instead of being on the outside looking in as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. Connelly has proven he knows how to draft offensive talent. Now, he needs to direct his attention at rebuilding the defense. Gary Harris cannot carry the defensive load all alone. He is going to need assistance on that front going forward.

If Connelly can solidify the defensive side of the ball, then he will also solidify himself as one of the better GM’s in the entire league. Everyone in the city of Mile High knows the Nuggets are a polar opposite of the Denver Broncos. A team with a great offense with a terrible defense. This year’s draft class is one of the better ones that has came around in the last couple of years.

As a result, it should be a little easier for Connelly to bolster the defensive side of things. If he doesn’t draft a good defender, he will need to work some magic in free agency. If he strikes out in free agency as well, then Connelly will have many angry fans come next season within Nuggets Nation.

This summer presents a perfect opportunity for Connelly to get Harris some defensive help.