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Re-Tooling the Denver Nuggets

By Konstantinos Christofis

Sep 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General manager Tim Connelly (left) and head coach Michael Malone (right) answer questions during a press conference during the media day at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General manager Tim Connelly (left) and head coach Michael Malone (right) answer questions during a press conference during the media day at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Nuggets have a lot to look forward to for the future.

Despite the Denver Nuggets’ failure to reach the postseason again, the team may have found the future superstar, in the eyes of Nikola Jokic. The Joker has taken a solid jump this year in all of the major categories. He went from averaging 10 points, 7 boards and 2.4 assists to 16.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The future is definitely bright for the Serbian big man who is only 21 years of age and there is plenty room for improvement.

With 11 guaranteed contracts for next season and a total payroll less than $75 million, the Nuggets have the cap space to land players that will allow them to be a playoff team in the near future. The biggest woe of the team mainly was the interior defense. In fact, nobody averaged more than 1 block per game. Hibbert and Plumlee are on expiring contracts. So, the team should look into bringing back up bigs with defense first mentality. This can be done either through the draft or via the free agency.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

In NBA Draft, the team owns a low lottery pick. Assuming that the lottery is not friendly, we land the 14th pick. NBA Draft.net has Nuggets picking Justin Patton out of Creighton. Patton is a raw prospect heading into the NBA. However, he is a quick and agile 7 footer who can defend both the pick and roll and the rim. If he is not on board, I would like to see my personal favorite, Ivan Rabb. Rabb is a solid rim protector and someone who loves to do the dirty work. On the other side, he is not much gifted offensively.

In the Free Agency market and if Gallo opts in, the team will have to look for a veteran presence. My picks are either Amir Johnson or Zaza Pachulia. The first is a solid rim protector while the latter is mainly a rebounding freak. Both carry plenty of experience which is vital for our young core. Most importantly they can be the perfect tutors for our rookie big and Nikola Jokic.

Last but not least, it looks certain that the team will allow Mike Miller to walk away. Therefore, we would need a sharp shooter to fill in the gap. If I was Tim Connelly, I would pick Jodie Meeks. The Kentucky product has two pretty rough seasons playing 38 games. He needs a fresh start and Denver seems a nice place for him to be. His calling card is his long range shooting (37.5 % career 3pt shooter) but he is a good defender as well.

Must Read: Closing Points Moving Into Next Year

The Denver Nuggets were in the driving seat for the 8th seed in the West. However, their inability to address their defensive issues cost them. The team is in a good path after a couple of years of insecurity. During summer, Tim Connelly and his staff should continue building on this season. The best way to do it is by bringing players who combine veteran leadership and defensive efficiency.

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