Denver Nuggets: 3 biggest weaknesses of the roster

3 biggest weaknesses of the Denver Nuggets roster: #2 Defensive rebounding

Finishing 19th in defensive rebounding doesn’t scream championship aspirations, yet here we are. Factor in the lack of depth at center, and we can begin to expect another mediocre season on the defensive glass.

Sure, Aaron Gordon’s presence on the roster should help the team become more of a dominant rebounding team, as will JaMychal Green. But, again, this is a depth issue. Rebounding by committee is a tried and tested method for teams who don’t possess genuine glass cleaners – look at recent iterations of the Boston Celtics for proof.

However, snagging a defensive rebound is the quickest way to simultaneously end an opponent’s offensive possession and get out in transition. Rebounds equal scoring opportunities, regardless of what end of the floor they come from, grab an offensive board, and it’s a putback, defensive board, and it’s a fast break.

Luckily, most of the Denver Nuggets’ best defensive rebounders are still on the roster. Michael Porter Jr. finished in the top five percent of forwards for his work on the defensive glass, as was the team’s best defensive rebounder, pulling down 18.3 percent of available rebounds on the defensive end.

Behind Porter Jr., Nikola Jokic and one of PJ Dozier, JaMychal Green, or Jeff Green will likely round out the team’s glass cleaning contingent, while the rest of the roster will have to chip in. Not the greatest of rebounding units, but one that continues to hold steady should some of the other rotation players improve, or a backup center is acquired as the season progresses.