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Denver Nuggets: Can they win the Northwest Division next year?

By Mitchell Carter

DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 5: Nikola Jokic #15 Gary Harris #14 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets walk to the sideline during a time out during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 5: Nikola Jokic #15 Gary Harris #14 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets walk to the sideline during a time out during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Reasons why they can

1. Their core chemistry is incredible

The Denver Nuggets’ core consists of Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. The average age 22.8 years old, which is the average age of senior in college. The fact that our core plays so well together and still haven’t hit their prime is very encouraging for the Denver Nuggets.

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Also, the core still being a couple seasons from their peak. They have grown very well together, enough to be extremely effective now. This team knows each other’s tendencies and what each player brings to the table in each game. I think that level of comfortably will play a huge role in the team’s success this year. Hopefully it will lead to another division crown this year.

2. So much offensive firepower

Much like the reason above, the Denver Nuggets have a very potent core on the offensive end. They have four or five capable scorers who all seem to become even more effective alongside passing wizard Nikola Jokic. However, we haven’t even accounted for the addition of Isaiah Thomas to bolster the bench scoring. Despite coming off of a down year, Thomas was still a guy who averaged 30 ppg over an NBA season.

The Nugget’s offense is extremely dangerous; however, most critics blame their defense as to why they won’t be successful. While I do agree their defense is the weakest facet of their team, I don’t think they have to become the 90’s Pistons to be successful. If they play enough situational defense and stick to the principles, they should be just fine. Let their offense control the tempo of the game, and make the “non” stars beat them!

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