The Denver Nuggets nabbed two prized additions from under the nose of better-positioned teams. How did they do it?
The Denver Nuggets’ young front office isn’t afraid to take chances. They proved this by targeting D-Wade and Kevin Love last off-season.
In 2018, Denver’s risky business finally paid off.
With the 14th pick, the Nuggets nabbed Michael Porter Jr. Many dubbed this steal of the draft (Bleacher Report).
Three weeks later, Denver inked former MVP-candidate Isaiah Thomas. He chose to revive himself in Denver for the unreal price of $2-million (ESPN).
First off, a huge ovation to Tim Connelly and company. Porter could have easily been drafted top-five. But the late opportunity presented itself, and Denver lunged.
Practically speaking, Isaiah shouldn’t have signed with Denver for $2-mill. Why would other teams pass on this? (including Boston –Masslive) Nonetheless, Denver wasted no time nabbing him.
Sometimes “Why?” isn’t the right question to ask when free agent opportunities arise.
Tim Connelly knows the difference between calculated risks and stupid ones. Aggressive front offices finish first. To be relevant in the Western Conference, no team can afford to take a happy-where-we-are approach.
These are risks Denver needed to take. Other teams passed, and they will live to regret it. Props to Connelly for pulling the trigger.
Let’s take a look at these stud signings: