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Denver Nuggets: A case for every point guard

By Blake Holmes

DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 7, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 7, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 05: Jameer Nelson #1 of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball defended by Nene Hilario #42 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 05: Jameer Nelson #1 of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball defended by Nene Hilario #42 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Starting off the list is the reigning starting point guard, Jameer Nelson.

Nelson was the starter at the season’s most important moments last year, starting 39 games of the 75 he played in. While he didn’t start the most games out of the other point guards, he was the starter in the biggest stretch. Emmanuel Mudiay actually started the most games, but when he began to struggle, Coach Malone turned to the vet. He didn’t really disappoint either, as the Nuggets played very well with Nelson at the helm.

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Denver Nuggets

It is because of this experience in the most important time that he makes a case for the starting position. Experience is really the main focus when it comes to Jameer Nelson, since he is the only Nugget to play in the NBA Finals. He was the starting point guard on the Orlando Magic team that lost to the Kobe-led Lakers in 2009. (The Nuggets were also knocked out in the Western Conference Finals by that Lakers team).

Nelson has run the offense pretty well, makes good decisions on the court, and is a mentor to the younger guys. While only averaging nine points and five assists, his effect doesn’t seem like much according to the stat-sheet (per basketball-reference). Anybody who paid close attention to the team could tell that the Nuggets just seemed better with him.

The main con that comes with starting Nelson is that it takes away valuable minutes to the young guys. These players are developing to become good contributors in the starting line-up, but how are they supposed to do that without minutes? It takes away opportunities for them to gain some experience in the toughest situations.

Finally, Nelson normally makes pretty good decisions, except for late in the game. This is when he tries too hard to be the hero, and makes a bad turnover or shot selection. Several games could have been decided because Nelson was trying to do too much in the clutch, and failed. He could have a chance to change that, but do the Nuggets want to give him that chance?

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