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Re-assessing the Denver Nuggets’ needs from before free agency

By Sean Carroll

Michael Porter Jr. and Facundo Campazzo of the Denver Nuggets celebrate following a basket during the first quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on 11 May 2021. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Michael Porter Jr. and Facundo Campazzo of the Denver Nuggets celebrate following a basket during the first quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on 11 May 2021. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass against Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets during the second half in Game One of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on 7 Jun. 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass against Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets during the second half in Game One of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on 7 Jun. 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Re-assessing the Denver Nuggets offseason needs: Perimeter defense

After being swept by the Phoenix Suns, it was apparent that yes, the Denver Nuggets need a healthy Jamal Murray on their roster to compete with the league’s elite and the Nuggets need more perimeter defense.

While Aaron Gordon was critical in the series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Michael Malone was short on options when trying to defend the two-headed guard monster that Phoenix employs. It didn’t help that the other forward, Michael Porter Jr., was being targeted by Chris Paul seemingly every time down the floor.

Related Story. Aaron Gordon's "optimism" towards a new contract is promising. light

There was nothing Denver could’ve done however as Austin Rivers couldn’t help on that end, Facundo Campazzo was solid but not a primary option, and wow did Denver need Gary Harris in that series.

As I wrote before the offseason:

"“In trading for Gordon, Denver had to part ways with Gary Harris who, while he had his injury issues, was the team’s best perimeter defender, especially against guards. He was crucial on defense in the 3-1 comeback victory against the Utah Jazz, making Donovan Mitchell’s life hard and giving Jamal Murray the easier assignment on that end.”"

The issue was compounded by the fact that Torrey Craig, a cheap yet effective wing 3-and-D wing was playing for the Suns after Denver decided not to bring him back the prior offseason.

The 2021 offseason was a great opportunity to add another option on the wings, giving the team another look against skilled guards.

Enter Jeff Green.

While he wasn’t a player I had thought of, he’s an excellent option on the wings for the Denver Nuggets. It’s actually quite surprising the Brooklyn Nets even let him walk, opting to essentially pay his salary to 2021 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Patty Mills.

Green will be spending time across all five positions on defense and spreading out the floor on defense. Entering his age-35 season, Uncle Jeff likely won’t be the first option on any elite scorer but he’ll play a perfect complementary role on either big forwards or smaller guards.

The best part about his deal is its length. Jamal Murray likely won’t be returning from his ACL injury until late in the 2021-22 season. By then, who knows if he’s ready to perform at a playoff level. Green sticking around for two seasons means that Denver can get the most out of the signing, playing him when the team’s ready to compete at full strength.

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