The Denver Nuggets Have a Severe Passing Problem
Emmanuel Mudiay Has a Turnover Problem
Mudiay’s point guard production is the antithesis of what you want from that position.
I went to the Pistons at Nuggets game on Saturday night, and one thing was clear from Section 302 at the Pepsi Center: I didn’t want the ball in Mudiay’s hands.
Aside from Danilo Gallinari’s reverse dunk on Aron Baynes, there are really only two plays that stand out to me. Both were Mudiay mishaps.
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The first was a failed lob attempt to Faried. I don’t know exactly what happened, but Mudiay’s pass from beyond the 3-point line didn’t even make it to the paint. A pinpoint pass and alley-oop finish could have brought the crowd to its feet.
The second play I remember happened just after another of his turnovers. Mudiay was streaking down the lane and was delivered a perfect pass. Sadly, he couldn’t handle the ball and it led to yet another Nugget turnover.
Those two plays seem to be a microcosm of his first 10 games. Mudiay is averaging only 3.2 assists per game, which is second behind backup point guard Jameer Nelson (3.6). To compound his inability to distribute, Mudiay is turning the ball over 4.6 times per game. For every one turnover he has only 0.7 assists!
In other words, Mudiay’s point guard production is the antithesis of what you want from that position.