The Nuggets will have to step up as Paul Millsap will most likely miss the next three months.
The injury to Paul Millsap has dealt a near fatal blow to the Denver Nuggets’ playoff hopes. Denver succumbed to a 30 point lashing at the hands of the Houston Rockets recently as they are already missing the rim protection Millsap provides.
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As a result, Denver’s resolve will be tested going forward. Without Millsap, the Nuggets are basically back to the same squad they had last year, only with no Danilo Gallinari who was a nice stretch three. With Wilson Chandler struggling this season, it could be tough sledding at the small forward spot from here on out.
Denver’s role player will have to start producing better numbers in order to keep Denver a float in the playoff race. Nikola Jokic will still get his numbers, but teams are going to start keying in on him which is going to force the other players of the Nuggets to start stepping up.
Gary Harris will also get his fair share of touches as he was the third offensive option when Millsap was healthy, but the one player I am particularly looking to step up and potentially become the third option while Paul heals from his injury is Jamal Murray.
Murray has been very up and down this year and he must start being a consistent starting point guard in order for Denver to be relatively successful in this three month stretch. It is time for the Nuggets to see if they are actually playoff material as their resolve will most certainly be tested.
If not, then this team needs to have a serious “coming to Jesus meeting,” and realize something else needs to change.
The one thing everyone can agree on though is that the Nuggets will miss Paul Millsap.