Denver Nuggets: The Mason Plumlee conundrum
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets have had an A+ off season so far.
What if I told you the Denver Nuggets can do something to get an A++? How would they swing that you may ask?
It is extremely unlikely, but not impossible. If the team were able to find a way to find a new home for their back up center, Mason Plumlee, then they could cap off the perfect off season.
However, this is obviously easier said than done. The problem is, no one really wants Mason Plumlee. The other thing is, they do not want him not because he is bad, but because of his bloated contract.
As of right now, Plumlee is making $12,917,808 this season according to spotrac. He is also carrying a cap hit next year of $14,041,096. If I am an NBA team who is being contacted about the services of Plumlee, I am thinking this is far too much money for a back up center who is a sub par defender at best and has a relatively un-refined offensive game.
He does bring some good intangibles to the table. However,as alluded to already, he is getting paid too much for his skill set. While he has been a decent back up for Nikola Jokic, it would still be beneficial for the team to trade him and allow Thomas Welsh to come on to the active roster.
Plumlee simply does not have enough offensive prowess to make this much money on an offensively minded squad. He cannot space the floor effectively in order to make room for three point shooters and does not possess the best rim protecting abilities.
Mason Plumlee has been a serviceable back up center so far, but he is still being massively overpaid for what he does bring to this Denver Nuggets squad.