Most of the recent NBA talk from major media outlets has revolved around the Knicks winning the title and Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. And while Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe were discussing those topics thoroughly on Saturday night’s episode of Bill’s podcast, at the end of the show, the two snuck in an interesting exchange.
Bill: “Is there a wild card - I’m prepared to put my seat belt on for this team, team for you, over the next 10 days?
Zach: “Just crazy offseason, overall?
Bill: “Just like, I’m just ready for anything cuz I think for me, Denver would be that team. I don’t know what I’m prepared for, and maybe I’m not prepared for anything, but I also don’t know how they just run it back.”
Lowe was oohing and ahhing at the notion and countered by saying he expects a more normal offseason in Denver, but added that it was clear that everybody but Nikola Jokic appears to be on the table.
Simmons certainly isn’t the biggest newsbreaker or reporter covering the league, but at the same time, he’s obviously plugged into the league, has some serious sources and connections, and seems to have his finger on the pulse for the most part.
The fact that he seems to be open to just about any outcome this offseason speaks to the way everyone is feeling about the Nuggets, from their closest followers to casual fans around the league. For the most part, people assume that Jokic will be back, and beyond that, almost anything could be in play.
More questions than answers for Denver this summer
Will there be a Jamal Murray trade? An Aaron Gordon trade? Will they dump salary to re-sign Peyton Watson? Will they be forced to sign-and-trade Watson? Can they get anything for Cam Johnson or Christian Braun? What’s the backup point guard situation? What about backup center?
And on and on it goes. These are all valid questions, and your guess is as good as mine when it comes to the answers. Nothing has really leaked either way, which means the front office is playing it close to the vest. That’s a good thing, but it also works the other way. With nothing leaking out, there may not be much going on.
Part of this may have to do with the Giannis sweepstakes dominating the league right now. Other business seems to be on hold while teams wait for the main domino to fall. After that, it will be open season for transactions, and we’ll start getting down to business in terms of players like Murray, AG, Cam, and CB.
That is, if we do at all. The lack of buzz around the team may mean that they are actually considering running it back. Would they dare go over the second apron for a year? Could they be content letting P-Wat walk? Again, there are more questions than answers right now, but with the draft just over a week away, one way or another, we are likely going to get some much-needed clarity very soon.
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