The Denver Nuggets debuted a historically large lineup against the Wizards in their first scrimmage game. Could they use it again?
The Denver Nuggets used Nikola Jokic, Paul Millsap, Jerami Grant, Bol Bol, and Mason Plumlee to comprise one of the world’s tallest group of people ever assembled on the planet at any one time. Only in this instance, the Nuggets were able to defeat a softer Wizards front court and repeatedly punish their defense in the paint.
The Nuggets have the league’s deepest front court and could use it to their advantage as other NBA teams continue to adjust to the new normal in Orlando. While most opponents might be worried about their collective wind, the Nuggets could simply outmuscle them with brute size and strength in Hubie Brown’s “painted area.”
Bol stole the show with a 16-point, ten rebound, and six block domination in his first NBA action in the bubble. Bol even showed a bit of shooting touch after knocking down a three pointer in transition. Should the Nuggets use this lineup more going forward?
While Millsap’s involvement with the offense has dropped in recent years as evidenced by his lowest scoring average since the 2009-2010 season. Millsap is not going to have to be used too much by Michael Malone and his staff right away, as the team’s absurd collection of bodies in the front court makes him all but expendable.
Denver is in the unique position of being able to utilize their big guys more than their guards, as almost no other team in the league will do. The Nuggets would make for a fascinating matchup with the Houston Rockets, who avoid centers and power forwards like the coronavirus. The Nuggets could implement this lineup more in the future, and should experiment with it more during their remaining scrimmage games.
The Nuggets will next take the floor against the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.