Should The Nuggets Target The Eighth Seed Or Tank: Pros And Cons

Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA: Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets
NBA: Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets /

Targeting the Playoffs: Cons

Much Lower Draft Pick

Yeah, there could be an argument that the Nuggets are young enough and don’t need to get younger, but if you look at the veterans on the Nuggets’ roster, many are 30+ or approaching that age.

By the time the core of the Nuggets, including Jokic, Mudiay, Murray, and Harris, reaches their prime, the veterans on the team now will either be in their mid-30s or out of the league completely.

Adding one more young player now, to solidify the core is actually important, and making the playoffs could essentially be a 5 spot difference in the lottery as to if the Nuggets finished 9th in the conference.

Getting Swept

It’s bound to happen. The Nuggets are starting three players 22 and under and a likely match-up against the Warriors would likely end up in a sweep.

That being said, it’s not a guarantee that the Nuggets get swept. This could also counter my argument that making the playoffs could boost the confidence of the players.

Getting swept is never fun and could ruin a team’s confidence.