Can the Denver Nuggets do defense?

This question is perhaps the most important for the Denver Nuggets next season. As mentioned in my last article (https://nugglove.com/2018/08/24/denver-nuggets-dont-call-come-back/) the Nuggets have already proved they can score with the best teams in the NBA. However, significant questions remain for the Denver Nuggets on the defensive end.

Defense Still Wins Championships

As the old and ever valid saying goes, defense wins championships. Obviously, there is a bit more to winning than just defense. Nevertheless, the defensive end while less glamorous, is still an essential prerequisite to building a championship caliber team. Over the last ten years, the NBA’s champions have included:

• Golden State Warriors (3rd)

• Golden State Warriors (1st)

• Cleveland Cavaliers (3rd)

• Golden State Warriors (1st)

• San Antonio Spurs (1st)

• Miami Heat (1st)

• Miami Heat (4th)

• Dallas Mavericks (4th)

• Los Angeles Lakers (3rd)

• Los Angeles Lakers (2nd)

In the brackets above, you’ll find where the NBA champions placed for their general team defense as per the NBA’s advanced stats. (https://on.nba.com/2BRFXjo) What we see above is that half the time, over the last ten years the eventual NBA champion finished within the top two teams in the NBA. Moreover, all ten finished at least 4th or higher.

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Decade after decade, the above history repeats itself. With the unmissable point being that if the Denver Nuggets hope to follow in the footsteps of champions, they will need to improve defensively. While Mathew Huff is absolutely right to say the Nuggets should avoid relying on 3’s to the extent of the Rockets. (https://nugglove.com/2018/08/20/denver-nuggets-rockets-syndrome/) Ironically, on the defensive end the Rockets are exactly who the Nuggets should be learning from.

The Rockets Are On To Something.

The Houston Rockets bested the Warriors in the regular season. Forcing them into the unusual predicament of being the number two seed. Even without Chris Paul, the Warriors only won Game 7 in the Conference Finals by a total of 9 points. Say what you like about the Houston Rockets, but they had a wildly successful year that they can be proud of. Emphatically answering the critics that lined up to highlight the lack of playoff success on the resumés of Chris Paul, James Harden and Mike D’Antoni.

Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals is the closest that any of the above trio have gotten to winning a ring. That progress is no accident but the result of Houston’s improved defense. A direct result of Mike D’Antoni bringing Jeff Bzdelik on board as defensive coordinator. (https://bit.ly/2wu6QUQ)

"“We had an honest conversation with everybody on day one…Simply that if we were going to aspire to be an elite team, then we would need to be not only a top-10 offensive team, but a top-10 defensive team. Otherwise, we’re kidding ourselves, because history has shown you have to be elite in both areas.” (https://bit.ly/2wu6QUQ)"

Jamal, Paul, Michael and Co.

Fortunately, Denver’s defense this season may well be better. One of the primary reason for this is better defensive play from Jamal Murray. Will Jamal be the NBA’s next Defensive Player of the Year, probably not. However, Jamal’s basketball I.Q. and work ethic will likely lead to Jamal becoming a solid defender. (https://bit.ly/2PFVXbj) Like for example Steph Curry or J.J. Redick. That development can particularly be impactful as it undermines the opposing point guard’s ability to execute their game plan. Which in turn opens the door for the Nuggets to do what they do best and outscore their opponents with their potent offense.

Moreover, an improved Jamal Murray on defense is just the beginning. The health of Paul Millsap is paramount as Millsap’s leadership on defense can help the Nuggets team defense make serious progress. (https://bit.ly/2PFVXbj) (https://bit.ly/2PbmmN5) In a way similar to Draymond Green’s influence on the Warriors’ defense. Another potential cause of defensive improvement for the Nuggets is none other than Michael Porter. With his height, wingspan and athleticism, Michael has all the raw tools necessary to be a great defender. (https://bit.ly/2wvhM4j) (https://bit.ly/2Nq0EV3) Whether that potential is realized comes down to Porter’s willpower and the Denver Nuggets coaching staff.

Bringing us full circle to what the Rockets, particularly Daryl Morey, Mike D’Antoni, Jeff Bzdelik and of course the Rockets roster were able to achieve last season.

This season, for the Denver Nuggets, becoming elite on defense is the key that will unlock the Nuggets’ potential for greatness. As above, the objective will most easily be achieved if the GM, coaching staff and players are united in their pursuit of this goal. After all, even for teams like the Warriors, defense is still winning championships.