The 5 most underrated Nuggets starters from the Jokic era

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Facundo Campazzo #7 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a three point shot in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2021 in New York City. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 113-99. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

Facundo Campazzo

Facundo Campazzo stepped up in Murray’s absence after the Blue Arrow tore his ACL late in the 2020-21 season. You don’t see a 29-year-old rookie often, but Facu was just that.

In 2008, Campazzo began his overseas basketball career and played for an Argentine club called Peñarol de Mar del Plata. After joining the EuroLeague in 2014, Campazzo became a two-time EuroLeague champion with titles in 2015 and 2018. After playing four full seasons with Real Madrid, Campazzo signed a late-November deal with Denver midway through his fifth EuroLeague season.

Campazzo shined most as a playmaker during his first year in the NBA. The energetic point guard treated Nuggets fans to some incredible highlight passes, becoming more of a crowd favorite with every ridiculous dime he dropped. From no-look beauties to behind-the-back bullets, Campazzo could do it all.

Across 19 starts, he averaged 9.6 points and 5.6 assists. Although Facu shot just 38.7% from the field, the Nuggets went a respectable 12-7 during his starts.

While his overall efficiency from the floor didn’t rise much in the postseason, Campazzo nailed an impressive 39.6% of his threes en route to a second-round showing. Riddled with injuries, Denver had to play without Murray for all of the playoffs and without Will Barton for 70% of the playoffs.

Campazzo dropped 5.2 dimes per game during Denver’s first-round victory over the Portland Trailblazers. The Argentinian floor general also averaged 1.7 steals in that series.

After putting together a phenomenal EuroLeague career with his championship pedigree and passing brilliance, the veteran playmaker made a name for himself with the Nuggets. Despite the brief length of his stay, diehard Denver fans will not forget Facu and his zany passes.

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