Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Player grades from Washington

By Michael Longhofer

Denver Nuggets v Washington WizardsWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets defends Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ID: 937172852
Denver Nuggets v Washington WizardsWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets defends Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ID: 937172852 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Denver Nuggets v Washington WizardsWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets defends Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ID: 937172852
Denver Nuggets v Washington WizardsWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets defends Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ID: 937172852 /

Torrey Craig – A

I’ve been slow to come around on Craig.  I’ve felt like he’s been taking minutes from worthy players like Beasley and Juancho.

He’s changing my mind.  Beyond his phenomenal stat line (11 points, 4-of-5 shooting, 1-of-1 from three, 2-of-2 from the line, five rebounds, two assists), Craig just fits this squad.

On a team that seems to have about 10 guys that can play shooting guard/small forward, it’s a good thing that Craig fits in so well.

The Core and Barton account for the bulk of the Nuggets scoring.  Others will flare-up from time-to-time but it’s those four that generally carry the load.

The contribution from the rest of the roster (at least the ones that see the court) is often limited to defense and being prepared when Jokic inevitably finds them.  Has anyone been more adept at that role this season than TC?  He’s a great defender and when he gets his shot or gets found in the lane, he makes it.  That is an invaluable trait on a team with little more room for scorers.

Like Barton, Craig has earned the praise he’s received.

Next: Top 10 defenders in NBA history

A side note on Craig:  With the criticism of Michael Malone and his rotations, it’s important to note that he is responsible for the development of Harris, Murray, Jokic and now Craig.

Home/Nuggets News