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Denver Nuggets: Close-up on Denver’s big three

By James Siegle

(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bart Young/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) /

An in-depth look at Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris…and how each will impact the 2018-2019 Denver Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic:

What Jokic does well

A stud center with a unique makeup, Jokic is Denver’s franchise. He is a first-class facilitator from the post, with a silky-smooth scoring game to boot.

First and foremost, Jokic is a slick passer. He led centers with 6.1 assists per game last season (ESPN). Watch the YouTube videos – Jokic isn’t simply a “good passer for his size.” Nikola is one of the NBA’s best passers, period.

In addition to his superb dime-dropping, Jokic scores from everywhere (21.7 points per game post-All Star break last year). The Joker splashes from three (39.6 percent 3P%) and finishes with ease near the hoop. He also rebounds tenaciously, pulling down 10.7 boards per game in 2017-18 (ESPN).

Denver’s high-octane offense runs through Nikola, creating a unique coverage situation for the defense. Jokic touches the ball on most possessions…because he poses so many options.

Many highlights show Jokic passing someone open, diming a teammate to create a perfect scoring chance from nothing. A pass-first phenom, x-rays reveal not one selfish bone in the Serbian’s body.

Combine this with Jokic’s scoring skill set and rebounding prowess? This is how you spell superstar in the NBA.

What the future holds

Put on your shades, Mile High. The future is bright, because Jokic is the leader Denver has sought since Carmelo left in a huff.

As franchise stud, Jokic will be called upon to shine offensively in 2018-19. Nikola can increase his assist numbers, as he’ll spearhead Denver’s play making efforts. Fans can expect a fresh batch of highlight-worthy passes.

The Nuggets will rely heavily on his inside-outside scoring as well. Jokic will get plenty of post-ups and shot attempts.

The beauty of the situation? Denver must no longer act commitment-shy. Jokic inked his lucrative five-year extension in July (ESPN). The Jokic-centered offense will be a cornerstone for seasons to come.

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