Denver Nuggets: Grading Our Trade Deadline Predictions

Jan 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, I posted three “bold” predictions about how the Denver Nuggets would handle the NBA trade deadline. Now that the dust has settled on what was one of the most exciting deadline days in recent memory, let’s look back and see how accurate my predictions were.

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Prediction #1: The Nuggets will trade Arron Afflalo, but not Wilson Chandler.
What I Wrote: “My guess is the Nuggets ultimately hold on to Chandler (and that’s a good thing; he’s not only a versatile scorer and above average defender, but by all accounts he is well-liked by his teammates and fans alike, and he hasn’t had any high-profile run-ins with head coach Brian Shaw), but find a team desperate to make a playoff run and overpay with a first-round pick for the chance to bring Afflalo to town.”
What Happened: It went down exactly like I predicted! Chandler is still on the roster, and Afflalo was sent to Portland in exchange for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and three players. Home run for me!

Prediction #2: The Nuggets won’t trade Jameer Nelson.
What I Wrote: “After playing well for the team and providing solid leadership on the court, recent reports indicate General Manager Tim Connelly may be more inclined to keep Nelson around. He brings valuable veteran experience to a team that is in dire need of leadership. And if the Nuggets do embark on a rebuilding effort as many NBA experts are predicting, Nelson could serve as a strong mentor for the younger and more inexperienced players who are likely to be the bulk of the roster. It certainly wouldn’t be shocking if Nelson is part of a late-breaking deadline move, but at this point, I think it’s more likely he stays put.”
What Happened: Once I again, I was spot on. Nelson is going to be a member of the Denver Nuggets at least through the end of this season, and I think that’s a good thing. Nailed it!

Prediction #3: The Nuggets will land a player who will be on the roster when next season begins.
What I Wrote: “I think the Nuggets will look to acquire picks as part of any potential deal involving guys like Afflalo and Chandler, but something tells me Shaw and Connelly are both looking to add a player or two that they think could fit Shaw’s system and be part of the team’s rebuilding plans next season and beyond. I think the odds of the Nuggets having acquired at least one player who will be on the roster come opening night of the 2015-16 season are pretty good.”
What Happened: We won’t know how well I called this one until the regular season gets underway next year, but I think the odds of me getting this one right are pretty slim. Thomas Robinson has already agreed to a buyout, and unless the Nuggets decide to hang on to Will Barton or Victor Claver next season to cheaply fill roster spots, I probably whiffed on this one.

Two out of three (with an outside chance of going three for three) ain’t too shabby!

Next: Grading the JaVale McGee Trade

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