Somehow we are already halfway through the NBA season. I feel like it was just yesterday we were watching preseason games talking about the Denver Nuggets snagging the number one seed in the west…no, we didn’t say that? Ok, something like that.
42 games in, the Nuggets sit at 16-26 at 11th in the west. Magically only two and a half games out of the eighth playoff seed, you can definitely argue for their success at the midway point, especially if you take out their eight and six game losing streaks scattered in there.
NBA.com came out with their midseason report cards this week, giving each team a grade for their performances thus far based on five different categories.
The Nuggets nabbed a C- overall in a very blah fashion. I feel like a C- is the grade you give a student that shows up, does some of the homework, sits in the back secretly listening to Dashboard Confessional, all while being a whiz at math that nobody knows about because they don’t want to be a cog in the system.
Honestly, a C- is fair. I think there is an argument for a straight C. Maybe if we are on a curve, but Chicago is at a C+ so it’s hard to see the Nuggets higher than that. We won’t nitpick here.
Let’s jump in and see what NBA.com’s Shaun Powell detailed out in his Nugget’s report card.
The front court got a C+, but I actually think this actually has the potential to increase nicely through the second half of the season. Riddled with injuries, we are just starting to see most of them get on the court together.
Wilson Chandler’s season ending surgery was a big blow, while Gallinari and Lauvergne injuries kept the front court thin enough for the Nuggets to go out and sign Papnikolaou. Jusuf Nurkic’s recovery from knee surgery took longer than expected and when Faried had to sit out, it looked like they weren’t going to have enough guys to even suit up.
Now all back, outside of Chandler, it’s time to see the young talent in Jokic and Nurkic continue to thrive as Gallinari marches on an all-star caliber type season. I expect to see a big second half out of this core.
The backcourt grabbing a C- is probably even generous. The hype on Mudiay far surpassed his play thus far. The once rookie of the year candidate is looking to continue his development and hopefully show big improvement through April. On the plus side, Gary Harris’ development is on the rise and looks to have the potential of a really solid player for this team.
Will Barton’s sixth man of the year candidacy should give the bench a little higher than a C alone. Jameer Nelson as a backup to Mudiay has been an excellent situation for both the Nuggets and the young point guard. With Nurkic, Arthur, Lauvergne, and Foye also coming off the pine, the depth struggles are dissapating. Who knows, maybe the Nuggets will look to bolster the bench as well in the trade market? Either way, Mike Malone has a full row of guys to utilize and maximize.
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Speaking of Coach Malone, he snags a C+ for coaching on the season. Let’s just be honest, let’s just be real. For the talent he is working with and the injuries to their rotation, he’s doing a bang up job. I love his coaching style and the way he treats his players. As his guys develop and the wins increase the next few years, he’ll reap what he is currently sowing.
The Nuggets are flying under the radar with a young team right now. A middle of the road grade for a current middle of the road team. However, unlike Powell, I think this is right where they should be on their journey. There is plenty of time for development and growth, we just need to be patient and enjoy the process.
The second half is a great chance for Denver to prove what they are working towards.