As per usual, the Denver Nuggets’ 2020-21 preseason produced inconsequential results but what can be learned about this year’s squad?
After a historically brief offseason, Denver Nuggets basketball is back, creating a lightening-fast return to regular season play that is every fan’s dream.
Throughout an exciting preseason that featured new faces, moments of dominance, and an entirely new-look bench, the Nuggets ultimately impressed, flashing stints that should leave fans optimistic.
While preseason play is often a poor measurement for success, this year’s contests presented tangible signs of what’s on deck for Denver in coming months, including new lineups and styles of play.
Let’s examine trends from this preseason that should carry over into Denver’s 2020-21 campaign:
Nikola Jokic’s strong showing
Nikola Jokic kicked off the season in dominant fashion, averaging 14.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in limited time, while shooting a scorching 71.4 percent from the field and 60 percent from deep. For context, this translates to per 36-minute averages of 23.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game, which is encouraging to see for a player who often flips a switch depending on the stakes.
Jokic’s passing was crisp and he appeared highly engaged, both offensively and defensively. He flashed smooth footwork in the post, while his shooting touch appeared to be in mid-season form as well.
There was heightened concern surrounding Jokic’s energy to start the season, as Denver’s extended playoff run was proceeded by a historically shortened offseason. Additionally, Jokic got married in recent weeks, so it’s hard to imagine he was raring for a quickened return to the court.
Nonetheless, he appeared energetic and in-shape throughout the preseason, which is great news for the organization. Perhaps his traditional early-season slump will be dampened this year.
Revamped Bench
Although the starting unit featured similar strategies and personnel to 2019-20 (minus the juggling of Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr.), the bench appeared vastly different, as the faces and styles varied significantly.
In contrast to last year’s defensive-minded reserves, this preseason’s second-unit featured an exciting slew of ball-handling and playmaking.
Monte Morris, Facu Campazzo and P.J. Dozier saw time together, often taking the court with Isaiah Hartenstein. In turn, Hartenstein ran countless pick-and-rolls with every member of the trio, showing an ability to execute a strong two-man game with each.
Consequently, he was a primary benefactor in this attack, averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. This translates to monster per-36 averages of 23.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.4 blocks per contest.
Having multiple ball-handlers paired with Hartenstein made for an interesting pick-and-roll game, as the ball constantly moved around the perimeter, giving the Nuggets multiple driving options. This kept opposing defenses in a lurch, as it was impossible to predict where the pick-and-roll would occur.
Additionally, Barton and Porter took turns captaining the pine when not in the starting unit, each lifting the bench in his own way. Preseason play suggested potential for a high-scoring second unit in 2020-21, which would be a welcomed contrast to last year’s stagnant bench.
Small-Ball
Throughout his tenure in Denver, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has been defined by his love of sturdy, defensive-minded players to complement Denver’s superstars.
However, this preseason hinted at a sacrifice to these principles.
Denver’s second unit often featured Campazzo (5’11”) and Morris (6’1”) in the backcourt, along with 6’6″ Dozier (who often played point guard last season) slotted at the small forward position.
The unit shrank further at one point in the preseason opener, as Denver briefly moved Dozier to the 4-spot, and replaced Hartenstein with 6’5″ rookie guard R.J. Hampton, a move that was uncharacteristic for Malone.
Barton (6’5”) often played small forward, which provided the Nuggets yet another talented but undersized option.
Ultimately, Denver should have exciting small-ball lineups this season, as its best reserves are at the guard spot. This will be unfamiliar for Nuggets fans, as Denver’s hasn’t previously adopted this style under Michael Malone.