Denver Nuggets: All-Star snubs should add motivation

As we rumble past the NBA All-Star break one thing is clear, the Denver Nuggets have one focus, and that’s winning a championship in 2023. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic was picked last on team LeBron and sauntered off after grabbing LeBron’s shoulders as if to show he couldn’t care less. Jokic was the only Denver Nuggets player to make the All-Star game despite the Nuggets sitting pretty atop the western conference with a 41-18 record. This should add motivation for players like Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray to prove that individually they may be overlooked, but this Mile High Basketball unit is good enough to win a championship, and that’s all that matters.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was selected to coach team LeBron in the All-Star Game, but was displeased with defensive effort and how things looked at times to say the least. Malone even went as far as to say that was “the worst basketball game ever played.”

Malone was honored to be the coach selected to represent Denver in the ASG and was comforted watching Big Honey relax and “let his hair down.” Jokic’s health will be a key focus for Malone as the season winds down and the Nuggets start gearing up for a playoff run. New addition Thomas Bryant and the return of a healthy Jeff Green should ease the pain for Mile High Basketball fans worried about the wear and tear on Jokic.

A common name mentioned with the All-Star snubs was Aaron Gordon. The 6’8″ product out of Arizona is playing some of the best basketball of his life and his efficiency is at an all-time high. AG is looking to keep that momentum going past the All-Star break and is realizing this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him in Denver despite the cold shoulder from All-Star voters.

Gordon brings electric energy and enthusiasm to a team with boom potential. Nationally, everyone seems to be looking past the Nuggets right now, and that could be because they haven’t won before. When Gordon is referring to this group of guys as his brothers, however, Mile High Basketball fans are encouraged that we may have something special brewing this year. For now, Gordon is focusing on the bigger picture and knows he will only continue to get better.

Jamal Murray is the other Nuggets name commonly mentioned with the All-Star slights and for good reason. Murray’s game has been solid and consistent this year after bouncing back from knee surgery. The birthday boy is looking to find his bubble self as he rounds into pure form alongside his peanut butter playmaker Jokic. Murray’s cold-blooded nature when the game is on the line and intense focus will likely only grow stronger with the ASG in the rear-view mirror. The Blue Arrow’s work ethic is undeniable, and it’s no shock he was in the gym getting shots up during All-Star festivities.

The Nuggets have their hands full preparing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the rest of their NBA schedule. They don’t have time to worry about fame, popularity or the All-Star game. There is one true goal, and that’s bringing a championship to the Mile High City. Look for the All-Star snubs to add motivation to an already heated up Denver Nuggets team, and look for Jokic & Co. to come out on fire to begin the back half of the schedule.