What would a successful ‘23 season look like for the Denver Nuggets?
Another big win for the Denver Nuggets would be if all of their star players were able to stay healthy for the entirety (or at least the majority) of the 2022-23 NBA season.
The truth is that we have yet to see what a full season of Jokic, Murray and MPJ looks like. In fact, the closest thing we’ve seen was during the 2020-21 season. In which Jokic played in 72 games averaging 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists per game on route to his first MVP. Porter played in 61 games averaging 19 points and seven rebounds per game while Murray played in just 48 games averaging 21 points, four rebounds and five assists per game.
They all also shot better than 47 percent from the field, with Murray and Porter both knocking down over 40 percent of their deep balls. All three also made over 80 percent of their free-throws.
Most importantly, the Denver Nuggets finished with 47 regular season wins and the third-best record in the Western Conference that season. Not to mention a trip to the conference semi-finals all without their second-best player, Jamal Murray.
Chances are, if all of Denver’s best players are able to stay healthy next season, then our previous point will come to fruition, as the team would surely have no problem eclipsing 50 wins. After all, very few teams can compete with the Nuggets deadly trio of young stars.
Obviously, having depth in key positions is certainly going to help Denver’s chances next season, particularly the deeper we get into the playoffs. Although, I think it’s fair to say that this team will only go as far as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. can take them. So, if all three can remain on the court for the majority of the year, how could you not deem that a success.