2017 Player Outlook: Darrell Arthur
By Mathew Huff
Darrell Arthur was one of the most efficient Nuggets last season and could have a similar year this coming season.
While Darrell Arthur is not exactly a household name, he still serves a purpose for the Denver Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets
He was sidelined by injuries quite a bit last season, but when he got minutes, he made the most of them and was perhaps Denver’s most efficient presence coming off the bench.
According to basketball-reference.com, Arthur shot an effective field goal percentage of 56.5% along with a player efficiency rating of 12.8 and 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes.
Arthur was not the best defensive player last year, but with how bad Denver was as a whole on the defensive end on the court, he was somewhat underrated as a defender. Do not be surprised if Arthur shows a bit of defensive growth this year as the Nuggets look to improve as a defensive unit as a whole.
However, the one thing he seems to be effective at is stretching the floor as a big man allowing Denver’s guards to penetrate the paint and kick it out for an open jump shot. The Nuggets were smart to trade for Arthur when they did and while he is a part of their currently crowded front court, he can still punish teams with his efficient play and is the glue of the Nuggets’ second unit.
He is a personality that has a place on any team in the league and does not get in any trouble off the court which is a welcome addition to any head coach and organization.
Whether or not Arthur is a part of the Nuggets’ long term plans remains to be seen, however, he can still play a vital role for the second unit this coming regular season.
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Arthur should have another solid campaign for the Nuggets.