Nuggets’ bubble performance highlights offseason needs

The Denver Nuggets have had interesting performances in the NBA bubble and their reliance on their depth has made it clear what the team needs this offseason.

It’s been a mixed bag for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA bubble.

Some players have broken out, some have met hefty expectations, some have been conspicuously absent and some have simply overwhelmed.

However, while there’s no certainty for how the Nuggets (who are currently battling the Utah Jazz in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs) will fare moving forward in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the needs of this roster are clear.

Looking at the Denver’s upcoming free agents, there will be four key players whose future the team will need to decide on: Jerami Grant, Torrey Craig, Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee. Due to the rise of both Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol, the decision to ease their financial burden from a couple of these players becomes easier but the question is who they should let go.

First, the simple discussion. Although Plumlee is a quality backup center with a relatively versatile impact, he’s being paid $14 million this season and with Bol waiting in the wings, he’s simply too pricey to bring back. This will put some pressure on Bol to improve his strength but with more natural talent and a higher ceiling than Plumlee, the Nuggets should be in good hands.

Having played 7 games for Denver in the NBA bubble, the 7’2″ Bol averaged 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting 50.0% from the field, 44.4% from 3-point range and 80.0% from the free-throw line. Per 36 minutes, those numbers jump to 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game, highlighting the young center’s dynamic play.

For comparison, Plumlee has averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.6 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game this season, shooting 61.5% from the field and 53.5% from the charity stripe. As you can see, the biggest difference between Bol and Plumlee is the former’s ability to shoot from outside and protect the rim. While Plumlee has experience in his favor, Bol plays with a high basketball IQ, and in time he’ll make that advantage negligible.

Playing behind Nikola Jokic, he’ll provide a great foil for the team’s star center defensively while being more of a pure shooter and having the versatility to play forward beside Joker.

Now, for the more difficult discussion.

Porter’s rise doesn’t necessarily mean anything when looking at Grant and Millsap’s impending free agent status, as MPJ has shown he can play small forward for the majority of the time.

However, coming off of arguably his least impactful season over the last decade, it’s clear that the 35-year-old Millsap is on decline and Father Time is coming fast.

However, the Nuggets need to add athleticism to their frontcourt to improve their weakside defense. So while Millsap is a smart and experienced defender whose leadership on that end would be missed, he may be both too expensive, too slow and not a strong enough offensive player to justify bringing back.

With a power forward rotation of Porter and Grant, Denver would have two true offensive threats with a starting forward (Porter) who can make plays defensively with his length and a backup forward who can make plays with his athleticism.

This should leave the Nuggets with a starting lineup of Jokic, Porter, Will Barton, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, with Barton and Harris’ absence in the seeding games and postseason showing just how important they are to Denver.

Barton, primarily for his playmaking and ability to create offense for himself. Harris with his ability to play off of others offensively and his defensive prowess.

Bol, Grant and Monte Morris give the Nuggets three versatile players on their bench. Craig and P.J. Dozier should enhance a defensive dynamic to their second unit.

The Nuggets should save approximately $10 million by letting both Plumlee and Millsap walk, even when factoring in a significant pay raise for Grant and Murray.

However, they’ll still need to spend a bit of money on a veteran leader for their team, as well as their upcoming first round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This prospect should be a wing player, when considering the effect of losing Harris and Barton since their return to the NBA bubble.

Players like Elijah Hughes (Syracuse) and Saddiq Bey (Villanova) should be available and fit in just fine in Denver.

How would you approach the team’s offseason? Let us know on Twitter @Nugg_Love.