Denver Nuggets: Don’t call IT a come back.
The NBA, Alive, Kicking and Full of Health.
The new NBA (2018-19) season, will be a most interesting one. On the one hand there are some that view the season as being over before it has even began. With many viewing the Golden State Warriors as the real live version of Space Jam’s the ‘Monstars’. Giving the Warriors recent signing of All Star center, Demarcus Cousins.
Denver Nuggets
However, this talk, attitude or argument is nothing new. However, the proponents of this idea, might well be growing in number.
One of the first to voice such an opinion was none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Who lamented the fact that Kevin Durant becoming a Warrior had robbed the NBA’s regular season of all relevance and potentially the NBA finals too. (https://bit.ly/2OjTUbu) Similarly, ex NBA coach and ESPN Analyst Jeff Van Gundy also in no uncertain terms decried the gap between the Warriors and the rest of the league. Indicating that the Warriors would win “forever”. (https://mobile.twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/905076936522825728/video/1)
Whilst the NBA finals proved Van Gundy’s comments to ultimately be accurate. The reemergence of the Boston Celtics, plus perhaps the Lakers, the new Raptors and a few other teams. Mean that the Warriors will have more competition this year than they have had recently.
In other words, as we mentioned in another article (https://www.peter-hooper.com/2018/07/26/three-main-reasons-to-watch-nba-next-season/) there are plenty of reasons to watch the new NBA season. As mentioned in the above article, one of the things that’s interesting about next season is that certain players will be playing with chips on their shoulders.
Players With Points to Prove
Carmelo will want to prove that he still has it and that OKC simply under-utilized him. Or misused him altogether. Kawhi and Derozan will want to prove their value in their new locations. Demarcus Cousins will be fighting to prove his injury is behind him and for the right to win his first championship.
Another compelling narrative is that of Isaiah Thomas. Who might be forgiven for thinking that he had already proved his value. Much like DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah played at an All Star level before injury robbed him of his hard-earned market value. Which preceded Isaiah being traded from the Celtics to the Cavs and then to LA and finally, the Denver Nuggets. Isaiah signed for the veteran’s minimum, (1 year $2 million). (https://es.pn/2L9Qg2v)
America has long been famous for its love of the little guy. Its affinity for rooting for the underdog. Which is a recurrent theme visible everywhere from the movie ‘Rocky’, to reality TV, to the American dream itself. However, clearly, business in the NBA is a separate matter where market value is determined by production. With particular emphasis being placed on recent production.
Isaiah’s Burden
However, the obvious problem with that approach is when an injured player is being evaluated based on their production. At that point, a player’s value drops significantly, despite how temporary their drop-off may turn out to be. Unfortunately examples of this happening are quite common even following the NBA’s new, less demanding games schedule. (https://bit.ly/2vVw0fm) On the contrary, the new schedule may have resulted in more injuries compared to last year. Perhaps due to the shorter preseason which has meant players are less physically prepared for the NBA’s regular season. (https://bit.ly/2vVn9dV)
Nevertheless, the reality is that Isaiah Thomas will suit up for the Denver Nuggets next season and will be paid $2 million for doing so. Another parallel between Isaiah Thomas and Demarcus Cousins situation is that they both ended up playing for teams they wanted to play for. As we recently argued (https://www.peter-hooper.com/2018/07/28/demarcus-cousins-a-true-warrior/) there is a certain brilliance to Demarcus’ decision to be a Warrior. As the embattled player now has his best shot at being a champion. Looking back to his play on the basketball court prior to his Achilles injury, one could argue Demarcus has done everything else on a basketball court but win a championship. It seems only right that Demarcus gets that opportunity, Achilles injury notwithstanding.
History to Repeat Itself
Speaking of opportunity, Isaiah Thomas has the opportunity to play for
"“..one of the first guys [Denver Coach Mike Malone] in the league to love me for who I am…I know he’s going to give me that opportunity in Denver.” (https://foxs.pt/2vUIELO)"
Which perhaps explains why Isaiah opted against a Celtics reunion with Danny Ainge and the rest of the crew. (https://bit.ly/2nNAvEt) Whilst the respect that Ainge has for Celtics Coach Brad Stevens is no secret. The above quote provides insight into Isaiah’s decision. With Isaiah noting that Coach Malone was one of Isaiah’s first supporters in the NBA.
As we’ve noted on different occasions (https://www.peter-hooper.com/2018/06/19/the-cavs-culture-and-talent-2018/) (https://www.peter-hooper.com/2018/05/10/okc-russell-westbrook-and-talent/) one of the things that separates championship caliber teams from their contenders is an ability to get the most out of their rosters. Congratulate Sam Presti for his brilliance all you want, the one stain on his record is having three MVP’s on his roster, with zero rings to show for it. (https://usat.ly/2NbKJJV).
Isaiah Thomas’ career is further proof of this dynamic. With the best years in his career coming under coaches that believed in him and understood how to use the weapons in his offensive arsenal. After his rookie and sophomore season, Isaiah averaged a minimum of 20 points per game under Coach Malone and Coach Stevens. (https://bit.ly/2JPZvIN)
Given the right opportunity, Isaiah Thomas has answered the bell each and every single time.
Isaiah Thomas is still that guy. That 5 foot 9 inch player that is capable of giving the opposite team buckets when it matters most. Moreover, that guy, Isaiah Thomas has in Denver, similar conditions to those that led to his breakout season in year 3 of his career. With Isaiah averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 assists the lone year he played under Coach Malone back in Sacramento. (https://bit.ly/2NcJqKK)
Moreover, Isaiah is likely to get his fair share of minutes, leading the Nuggets 2nd unit. (https://nugglove.com/2018/07/26/denver-nuggets-predictions-isaiah-thomas/)
In other words, Isaiah Thomas, health permitting will do what he has become famous for. Getting buckets in a variety of ways, at the hoop and from the perimeter in ways that would make Allen Iverson proud.
Can Denver Do Defense?
However, like Isaiah Thomas, the Denver Nuggets have earned a reputation for their dominant performances on the offensive end. According to team rankings the Nuggets had the 5th best offense in the NBA in terms of efficiency. (https://bit.ly/2BHZwea)
Currently, the Denver Nuggets are likely to make playoffs this year. Having only just missed out on the last playoffs in dramatic fashion. Losing the last game of the regular season to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the overarching question for the Nuggets has less to do with Isaiah Thomas and everything to do with the defensive end.
Progress there will mean the Denver Nuggets will make the playoffs but also be a threat to any team they come across.