The second installment of the 2020’s vision series makes predictions and evaluates the future of four players on the Denver Nuggets.
One of the strengths that is often attributed to the Denver Nuggets is their robust depth. It’s a luxury that the Nuggets have which benefits them in multiple ways. The Nuggets had the best record in the NBA last year on back to back’s. The ability to rest players and replace them with NBA-caliber rotation players on a night to night basis cannot be undersold. Even while dealing with various injuries, Denver was able to maintain a deep roster with an effective bench unit.
These players were the push that allowed Denver to advance as far as they did. They continue to have their roles. A few might not even be in Denver next year, but they have been vital to the success of the Nuggets thus far.
Torrey Craig:
A little known fact about Torrey Craig. He led the Nuggets in 3pt% last year from the All-star game through the playoffs. His importance is underdiscussed.
His ability as a defender is recognized. The switch in the San Antonio series from Will Barton III to Torrey Craig at the small forward was a brilliant and important move to make. Craig and Harris on the floor together were able to contain Derrick White and Demar Derozan more effectively. The same strategy was employed with moderate success against Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
His hustle, rebounding, and on-ball defense have been valuable assets for Coach Malone in certain areas. He’s always been ready to fill in when his name is called.
His story is inspiring. Craig has been a valuable asset, even with marginal offensive value. Despite being on the outside of the rotation this year, Torrey has contributed when his team has neede him the most. The Rockets game was a prime example, where his length and defensive prowess were crucial in bottling up James Harden, and especially Russell Westbrook.
It’s understandable to see why Torrey Craig should be wanted by the Denver Nuggets. While clearly not the most flashy player, Craig provides a benefit off the bench and is a useful matchup tool.
Torrey is 29 years old. He has severl useful years left, and if Tim Connelly deems him useful, then expect Craig to be an 10th or 11th man for Denver for years to come.
Juancho Hernangomez:
“You Juancho three? You’ve gotcho three!” has been a staple of the Nuggets broadcast for Juancho’s tenure in Denver.
His value is incredibly intangible. He’s a locker room favorite, as well as a fan favorite. His friendship with Nikola Jokic is admirable and important for team chemistry.
This chemistry translates to the court. Juancho Hernangomez is not the most athletic or prolific player, but his knack for being in the right spot and high IQ on the offensive side fits seamlessly alongside Nikola Jokic.
According to Cleaning the Glass, in the 88 posessions in which Jokic and Juancho have shared the floor, the Denver Nuggets post a +7.9 net rating. Points per possession are in the 93rd percentile with an effective Field Goal percentage in the 97th percentile.
Juancho is 24 years old on a contract year in restricted free agency. Many fans, and I’m sure Nikola Jokic, would strongly prefer to retain an asset like Juancho. His market probably isn’t significant, but a strong shooting and fundamentally sound forward like Juancho will draw interest.
His future on the Nuggets is unlikely, but his future in the NBA is not as murky. His intangibles combined with his NBA-caliber physical tools make Juancho a staple in any rotation. Juancho has a solid career ahead of him.
Monte Morris:
Monte Morris‘s claim to fame is his excellent facilitating and protection of the ball. He’s always near, if not at the top in assist to turnover ratio. His shooting is excellent, and his effectiveness in an expiring quarter is masterful.
Monte Morris affords Denver much flexibility. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge as playmaker of the first unit, Monte captains the second.
He’s a more than capable defender, providing shooting to pair with his passing. Overall, he plays his role perfectly. He’s in the conversation for the best backup point guard in the league, especially now that Fred VanVleet is a starter.
It’s hopeful that Denver keeps him long term because of his value to the second unit, but it might become difficult when his contract expires. His skillset and IQ in a more featured role could have a team inquiring about even offering him a starting job. A team deprived of a true point guard could offer him starter money.
He probably won’t stay in Denver for the whole decade, but his contributions while here are invaluable.
Malik Beasley:
Malik is an x-factor. He’s a terror in transition. A hyper-athletic dunker, yet skilled shooter is a rare combination. While defensive lapses are frequent, potential is there.
He’s seemingly fallen out of the rotation recently, but he was the go-to scoring option off of the bench last year. He even started 18 games and put up 17.6 points per 36 minutes on an elite True Shooting percentage of 59.9%.
It’s muddy on what the attitude of Denver is towards Malik Beasley, but it’s undeniable that his offensive talent and game has excelled in the NBA.
He’s being thrown around violently in trade rumors, and may not be in Denver as soon as next week. Whether he stays or not is uncertain, but the general attitude is that he will no longer be a Nugget by the playoffs.
This being said, if he ends up in a position where he can benefit from a higher usage role, with more minutes to boot, he will thrive. He’s efficient and talented. His skill has translated and will continue to translate.
His offensive presence, between his speed and shooting, is an automatic boost to any team trying to improve their scoring ability. He’d likely even thrive from a Lou Williams type of role off of the bench somewhere.
Whether in Denver or away, Malik Beasley will showcase his offensive talents.