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Nuggets in the Olympics: Good or Bad?

By Tim Hart

February 19, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets center Joffrey Lauvergne (77, top) dunks the basketball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 19, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets center Joffrey Lauvergne (77, top) dunks the basketball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the Nuggets 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nuggets' Upcoming Season
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Courtesy of: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Here’s why:

They may be out of sync when the upcoming season starts.

Even though the Olympics host the best athletic talent in the world, men’s basketball may hold the most dramatic exception. There is a unanimous and unchallenged understanding that the NBA is a far more difficult arena for players to shine in, particularly due to its speed and athleticism. The time spent on the Olympic stage may mean a rude awakening for Jokic and Lauvergne in the NBA, once the upcoming season begins.

It is not uncommon for players to feel a bit rusty in the NBA after playing in national leagues, but with the hailed work ethic of both Jokic and Lauvergne, this should be an issue that the Nuggets can avoid. The bigger concern for the upcoming season lies in forming a rhythm with the Nuggets’ newest additions, especially with future all-star prospect Jamal Murray.

Nuggets' Upcoming Season
Jamal Murray, courtesy of Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Nuggets fans know that every win matters, especially after a season filled with so many close losses. The sustained national play of Jokic and Lauvergne may cause a lack of unity on the court early in this upcoming season, and those first few games are crucial in deciding the flow of the season.

The Nuggets in Rio will have to make an extra effort not to get too comfortable playing against Olympic teams. They will also have to match that effort with one aimed at making up for time lost with their rookie teammates. This won’t be easy, but is certainly feasible.

Barring a catastrophe, having Jokic and Lauvergne on the Olympic stage should give the Nuggets a bit more credibility as an organization, and may lead to a mutually beneficial trade that sends Lauvergne elsewhere, and brings a new veteran to Denver for this upcoming season.

must read: Denver Nuggets: Summer League Grades

For now, fans can sit back and enjoy the Olympic action, rooting for team USA and keeping an eye on cross-league players like Jokic and Lavuergne, while quietly anticipating what their play could mean for the immediate future of the their organizations.

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