Nuggets Early-Season Takeaways and Rest-of-Season Predictions

Nov 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is interviewed after the game gainst the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

Overall, a 5-5 record for the Nuggets is a strong start to a long season.

The playoffs remain a hail mary and a half, but it seems that we are on our way building chemistry with a young core and a new coach. Hammering down consistent performances will be key to the production of the team, even at the hands of a loss.

The squad has showed they can hang with the big boys with impressive wins over the Rockets and Bucks. Despite their competitiveness against the world champion Warriors, they have showed lacking efforts against teams who have the clear advantage in the matchup. Expect more consistency to come, but it is certainly a bumpy road ahead.

I predict the Nuggets will round out 2015 with a 15-18 record, but will start the new year strong and go 25-16 from January through March.  By this time, Mudiay will have figured out how to properly hold on to the basketball just in time for Faried to hit his second-half outburst.  Sadly, I think they will only be able to sneak one win in April, bringing their final record to 41-41.

Unfrortunately, Mudiay won’t be ROY because Towns is an absolute monster.  I could see Barton making a case for sixth man of the year if he continues to produce on both ends of the floor and make more highlight dunks.  Faried will finish the year averaging 16 and 12 a game, but will get snubbed from the All-Star Game.

Next: Will Barton's Contract is a Huge Steal

Note: All statistics are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and stats.nba.com