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AskNuggLove: Denver Nuggets Mailbag Roundtable

By Kyle Standfield

Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15), and Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) celebrate during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15), and Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) celebrate during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
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How crucial are the next 10 games? If we go 5-5 is it time to make a trade and play the youngest players?

Question submitted by Robert Posthumus (@RobertPosthumu1)

Kyle Standfield: The race for the 8th seed in the Western Conference is so wide open that even if the Denver Nuggets go 5-5 over their next 10, they will probably still be in contention for that final playoff spot. This is tough though, because on one hand I believe the number one priority for the franchise right now is to re-engage the people of Denver. The Pepsi Center has been lacking in atmosphere, enthusiasm and fans these last few years and its a shame. The quick fix to that is obviously to make the playoffs and win basketball games. On the other hand, I understand that NBA mediocrity is a dangerous place to be if the goal is to ultimately contend for championships. To try answer the question though, I’d lean towards playing the younger guys if we start slipping in the standings, be it by trade or rotation changes. One more season sitting at home during the playoffs can’t do any more damage to the crowd numbers and fan engagement than what is already occurring. Plus, playing Jamal, Juancho and co will obviously fast track this teams potential and perhaps in doing so, will bring fans back to the Pepsi Center for a more sustained era of success.

Blake Holmes: I don’t think that anything drastic needs to happen, the only trade that Denver Nuggets needs to make is one that could get them a superstar. That is the one thing the Nuggets have missed since the Carmelo Anthony era, and it would be good to get another star. I would give the younger players more minutes if we go under .500 in the next ten games.

J.J Vega: The next 10 games are extremely important as we are entering the second half of the season. If the Denver Nuggets were to go 5-5, that means they are going to be 20-28, which isn’t THAT bad, but it’s certainly not improving. I still think they have the chance to take that spot in the playoffs and by making them, they can gain more confidence towards the future. Now, we definitely have to give the youngsters more time. It’s like performing a miracle.

Mike Wilson: Colorado sports fans – remember Rocktober of 2007? When the Rockies went on an epic run to secure a playoff spot? Nugget February doesn’t exactly have the same ring, but, we need to go on a similar run to secure the eight seed in the West. #8 Nuggets vs #1 Warriors? Nobody gave the Denver Nuggets much of a chance at upsetting the Seattle SuperSonics in their First Round playoff series in 1994. The Sonics had just posted a franchise-record 63 victories, while the Nuggets had slipped into the playoffs with a 42-40 record. Sound familiar? Who doesn’t believe in a lil Mile High Magic!?

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