The Denver Nuggets need more coaches.
In my last article, we looked at what likely is the single most important issue for the Denver Nuggets, their defense. (https://nugglove.com/2018/08/28/denver-nuggets-defense/) We also highlighted that the Nuggets would do well to take a leaf out of the book of the Houston Rockets.
Especially since the Rockets have basically achieved what the Nuggets need to. That is go from around average or below average on defense, to elite.
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A key part of that story is how the results the Rockets produced were partially due to the work of defensive coordinator Jeff Bzdelik. As well as the work of GM Daryl Morey.
(https://bit.ly/2wu6QUQ)
With that being said, what else can the Denver Nuggets do to ensure they achieve their playoff goals and fulfill their potential?
Increase Size of Coaching Staff
Firstly, the Nuggets would do well to follow in the Rockets footsteps by investing in some assistant coaches.
(https://bit.ly/2N8uNvg) Coach Malone has already proven his ability to develop the roster he has and is a defense-minded coach.
The Nuggets pay Malone less than the average head coach and would do well to reinvest those savings in some assistant coaches. That would further enhance player development, particularly on the defensive end.
(https://bit.ly/2N8uNvg)
Hopefully, this would lead to improvements on both sides of the ball, due to the increased attention to detail a larger coaching staff would bring.
Roster Changes
As is, Nikola Jokic is the franchise face of the Denver Nuggets. Not bad for someone picked 41st in the 2nd round. Nevertheless, as (trader) Danny Ainge has shown doing what’s in a franchise’s best interest essentially means that virtually no player is untouchable.
However, with Paul Millsap missing about half of the season due to injury, it still remains to be seen what the true ceiling of the Nuggets roster actually is. With the right support and coaching, just how far can the Denver Nuggets go?
ESPN project the Nuggets will finish 5th in the West. (https://es.pn/2NyvXgh) While CBS have currently have the Nuggets finishing 9th.
(https://bit.ly/2O5NYU5)
Projections aside, Nuggets fans know they have cause for hope. Partially because they know a healthy Millsap means they are a different team on defense. Secondly, their roster is youthful and possesses a whole bunch of upside (much like Jokic himself). As such, it would be wise for the Nuggets to give their youthful core some time (and guidance) to help them grow into their potential.
Pieces Denver Should Definitely Keep
The possibility of perhaps acquiring a two-way center like for example Kristaps Porzingis is intriguing.
Aside from prospects like that, the Nuggets should definitely stick with the Millsap/Jokic duo. Primarily because a full season together may well be enough to make the playoffs. Especially if Jokic continues to develop his game defensively.
Gary Harris is one of the best 3 and D players in the NBA, that excels at pretty much everything from cutting, to just as an athlete in general. Improving his ability to create offense for himself and his teammates off the dribble will help Harris and the Nuggets be even better next season.
https://www.denverstiffs.com/2018/8/30/17797616/gary-harris-denver-nuggets-offseason-improvement
Torrey Craig, also played good defense with the limited playing time that he got. (https://bit.ly/2NCvb1Q) Meaning Craig should be capable of contributing to Denver’s improved performance on that end. Similarly Wilson Chandler has shown an ability to contribute to on defense.
The jury seems to be out on Mason Plumlee. Some see Plumlee as an overrated rim-protector and defender.
(https://nugglove.com/2018/07/16/denver-nuggets-plumlee-defense/) However, in his defense (no pun intended) Plumlee should definitely remain a Nugget. Unless Denver gets a chance to upgrade of course.
The reason why Plumlee is definitely worth keeping, firstly is that he should report to training camp fully healthy have recently undergone core surgery.
(https://on.nba.com/2wwPTtM)
Secondly, Plumlee excels as a defender of the pick and roll. (Denver’s main weakness on defense). (https://on.nba.com/2wwPTtM) In screen-roll action Plumlee was able to cause a turnover 16% of the time. (https://on.nba.com/2wwPTtM).
"“…Plumlee averaged 7.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks – second only to Paul Millsap’s 1.2 swats a game.” (https://on.nba.com/2wwPTtM)"
Even with Millsap playing about ten minutes more a night than Plumlee. (https://bit.ly/2wAY4V6) (https://bit.ly/2wxYf3r)
Like Plumlee, Barton has also made notable contributions to the Nuggets defense. The glaring weakness in Barton’s defensive game however is his inability to guard the pick and roll. In this regard Barton has unfortunately in the past been amongst the league’s worst offenders. (https://bit.ly/2wzvGCO) Ensuring this year is different, has to be a top priority for all involved.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets possess the majority of what is needed to ensure that next season is a success. Although they reside in the tougher Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets roster is in a better position this year to excel on both sides of the floor. Due to better health and a deeper roster.
To their credit, the Nuggets are fully aware of their position in the NBA and what they need to do to achieve progress. As Joel Rush of Forbes Sports recently told me:
“Everything coming out of training camp was defense, defense, defense.”
With a rejuvenated roster, this year, may be the year the Nuggets begin to strike gold.