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Offseason checklist for the Denver Nuggets in 2022

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

DENVER, CO - APRIL 05: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and the Denver Nuggets walk up the floor against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 5, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 05: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and the Denver Nuggets walk up the floor against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 5, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Monte Morris #11 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Monte Morris #11 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /

Truth be told, the Denver Nuggets can only go so far even with a healthy Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Having these two return to the lineup will in all likelihood thrust them back into contention, but I doubt it will be solely good enough to put them over the top. The issue is that they also happen to be one of the most cap-restricted teams in the NBA.

With both Aaron Gordon and Porter Jr.’s extension about to start, the Denver Nuggets are entering unfamiliar territory as a luxury tax team. In fact, the last time the Nuggets had to pay any luxury tax was in 2009. So, this ownership group is going to be faced with a brand-new set of financial challenges this offseason.

This means that they have two avenues to improve their roster this upcoming offseason; the trade market, and the NBA Draft.

While there are a few potential trades that would drastically improve the Nuggets’ outlook in 2023 (one of which will be discussed in the following section). The upcoming 2022 NBA Draft is arguably the most pivotal draft in recent memory.

The good news is that the Denver Nuggets have one of the best front offices, and head coaches in the NBA. A group that’s responsible for drafting players like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Monte Morris, Michael Porter Jr., and Bones Hyland.

All of which have hit thus far based on where they were drafted.

So, I expect Denver to once again find solid value this year, even if they do have just a single selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Solution – draft Walker Kessler

With the Denver Nuggets bowing out in the first round of the playoffs this year, they’re projected to land the 21st overall pick. Taking this into account, the player that would best suit what the Denver Nuggets need moving forward is Auburn’s big man, Walker Kessler.

There’s no denying that the Nuggets could use some more depth on the wings, and potentially even another backcourt running mate for Jamal Murray. But they first need to improve their presence in the paint, specifically on the defensive end. And there’s no better prospect in this regard than Walker Kessler.

Coming off an extraordinary sophomore year in which he averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and an NCAA-leading 4.56 blocks per game for the Auburn Tigers. Kessler is widely regarded as one of the best centers in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Most importantly, as a 7’1″ 245-pound big with elite shot-blocking and efficient interior scoring. He would provide immediate help in the Denver Nuggets’ most pressing area of need.

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