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3 players who could become X-factors for the Denver Nuggets in 2023

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jeff Green #32 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jeff Green #32 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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It feels like every year certain players emerge out of nowhere to help their team chase a title. Who could that be for the Denver Nuggets in 2023?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the NBA, it’s that certain individuals play best when the lights shine the brightest. Some even make a career out of how they perform in the playoffs.

After Bobby Portis was traded out of Chicago in 2019, he played short stints with the Wizards and the Knicks before finding a home in Milwaukee. Only for fans to be chanting “Bobby” on the way to the Bucks winning their first NBA championship since 1971.

Then the year before that, Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso saw a massive hike in minutes when the playoffs rolled around. Which resulted in all three players becoming essential to the Los Angeles Lakers clinching the title in 2020.

Fast forward to this year, and now we’re seeing the emergence of Jordan Poole for the Golden State Warriors. As well as Derrick White for the Boston Celtics.

Poole has been impressive throughout the entire postseason, averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds through 19 games. All on 52 percent shooting from the field, 39 percent from three and 91 percent from the free-throw line.

While White has been on fire since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Averaging 13.9 points, 3.4 assists and 3 rebounds per game, all while shooting 42.9 percent from the field, 40 percent from three and 81 percent from the line, respectfully.

I truthfully don’t know which team is going to make it out of the NBA Finals this year, but I know that a large determining factor will be how these two perform for their respective franchise.

All of which leads me to the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets are expected to at full strength next season with the return of both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. They also have the reigning MVP of the league, Nikola Jokic, and an incredible supporting cast that includes Aaron Gordon, Monte Morris, Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland and Will Barton. On top of whoever else they sign and draft this upcoming offseason.

With the team clearly in win-now mode, and expected to make a run for the title in 2023. It’s time to take an early crack at three players who could emerge as X-factors for the Denver Nuggets title run next season.

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