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Nuggets starting lineup: Locks, fringe and potential break-ins

By Quenton S. Albertie

Sep 5, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) celebrates with guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Gary Harris (14) and center Nikola Jokic (15) after making a basket against the LA Clippers during the first half of game two in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) celebrates with guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Gary Harris (14) and center Nikola Jokic (15) after making a basket against the LA Clippers during the first half of game two in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Locks: Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic

The only two players that are guaranteed spots in the starting lineup are the Nuggets’ two best players: Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

Murray and Jokic have been full-time starters since 2017-18, developing their individual skillsets and chemistry to become one of the league’s most lethal pick-and-roll duos.

In the 2019-20, the two averaged a combined 38.4 points and 11.8 assists per game in the regular season. Then, in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Blue Arrow and the Joker were arguably the second-most formidable tag team behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Murray and Jokic averaged a combined 50.9 points and 12.3 assists per game in the postseason, stepping up their game and delivering a handful of unforgettable performances along the way.

Numbers aside, Denver relies on both players’ creativity and guard skills; particularly Jokic’s passing ability and low-post play, along Murray’s slashing and ability to make tough shots.

These two are the engine to the Nuggets’ offense.

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