Nuggets News

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 20: Nikola Jokic #15 and Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets box out Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 20, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Free agency preview

Could Trevon Duval be the answer at PG for Nuggets?

Denver Nuggets NBA Draft: Second round review

Denver Nuggets: Five reasons they got the steal of the draft in Michael Porter Jr.

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr #13 of the Missouri Tigers watches the action against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Two targets if Denver trades up in the draft

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks and Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets shakehands before the game on January 10, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Why they should trade with Atlanta

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 13: Trevon Duval #1 of the Duke Blue Devils against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 89-71. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three second-round targets for the Nuggets in the 2018 Draft

DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Who’s better, Nikola Jokic or Karl-Anthony Towns?

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 01: 2018 Citizen Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Jalen Brunson of the Villanova Wildcats poses with head coach Jay Wright and the 2018 Citizen Naismith Men's College Player of the Year trophy during the 2018 Naismith Awards Brunch at the Pearl Stable on April 1, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets NBA Draft Prospect Analysis: Jalen Brunson

The Nuggets kept their win streak alive with a satisfying win against the Charlotte Hornets.Often, this season, the Nuggets have strung together enough good performances that we breathe a little easier and declare they've turned a corner. That elation is usually followed by baffling defeats to inferior teams. It's hard to say, with this team, if they've truly overcome the malaise that prevents them from jumping into that top-tier of Western Conference teams.Last night's contest with the visiting Hornets was one of those "trap" games that have plagued this gifted but inconsistent team. This night was different, though, led by Gary Harris' 27, the Nuggets were able to easily overcome the Hornets, 121-104, leading to further speculation that the Nuggets have shed the underachiever label and graduated to that next level.The win put the Nuggets back into the 6th spot in the Western Conference playoff race, a single game behind 5th place OKC. Nikola Jokic led with 16 rebounds and Will Barton handed out a team high 8 assists. Among the starters, only Wilson Chandler did not score in double-digits. The bench performed well, with Lyles, Mudiay and DA combining for 33 points, and Torrey Craig matching Lyles with 7 boards. Craig had a scare late on a high-flying block attempt (They say Flagrant 1 on DA, I say clean block.).Over the summer, I wrote about the Nuggets need to stay the course. My contention was, that, for the 2018-19 season, there is virtually no pathway to a championship for this young team. Without the addition of several, proven, top players, there is little chance that the Nuggets could beat the Warriors or Rockets over a 7-game series. The wise path forward, then is to develop the incredible amount of talent this team has cultivated and be prepared for when it is their time.The central theme of my piece was that our core, at full potential, is better than anything we could get in trade or through free agency. Put another way, at the top of their game, there's not another Center, Shooting Guard or Point that I'd rather have in Denver than Jokic, Harris and Murray. By way of support, I point to our 2-2 record against the Champs and the last week of games. This team is on the verge of breaking through.This is specifically why I bristle at the rumored trade scenarios out there for the Nuggets. There is no value in making moves just to make moves. I can't make the case that this team would be markedly improved by the addition of Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart or any of the proposed PG swaps that we've heard (Collison?). We saw Kemba last night, we've seen Payton, I just don't see that their games would improve the Nuggets fortunes enough to mess with what has become great chemistry on this team. If we need a lesson on what damaging team chemistry can do to a tight team, we need look no further than across I-25 to the aftermath of the Broncos decision to part ways with TJ Ward. A seemingly small move, with a rising stud coming up behind him in Justin Simmons but it had an impact on a secondary that had finished first in the NFL two consecutive years.I get that professional sports are a business. I get that an immeasurable value like "chemistry" is difficult to attach a lot of team resources to but if this team has turned a corner and is competing and beating the top teams in the league, what need is there to upend that? We are already facing the imminent return and reintegration of Paul Millsap, which for all intents and purposes will be like acquiring him via trade. The fan base is easily placated with wins, so there's no need to appease them. The Nuggets have the highest increase in attendance in the league, they just had the largest crowd in their Pepsi Center history. They are smiling, they are enjoying this (Gary Harris declining to get posterized by Dwight Howard was classic). Until they show signs of regression, someone is going to have to explain to me why there's such a push to make a move before the trade deadline on Thursday.This will, of course, all be put to the test on Friday against a Rockets team that's pushing Golden State for the top record in the league. James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career and looks unstoppable. It's fitting, then that whatever team the Nuggets roll into Houston with is the team they will carry to the end of the season. I for one, believe in this team, as constituted. It's been fun to fantasize about what-if scenarios for LeBron or Kawhi but the realistic prospects for the Nuggets don't justify tinkering with a team that's playing as good as any in the League.As we saw last night, the Nuggets are fully capable of powering through trap games, coming off of big wins. If that maintains, it's one of the final hurdles to this team making some postseason noise and one step closer to NBA legitimacy.

Denver Nuggets: Could they make a splash on Draft Night?

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs, and Davis Bertans #42 of the San Antonio Spurs look on against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three possible trades for Kawhi Leonard

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts to block Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 10, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Hawks interested in Kenneth Faried and Denver needs to take the offer

DENVER - FEBRUARY 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets enters the court against the Utah Jazz on February 4, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Could Carmelo Anthony return to Denver?

Taj Gibson defends Denver Nuggets C Nikola Jokic (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: How Nikola Jokic can become an MVP

The Nuggets kept their win streak alive with a satisfying win against the Charlotte Hornets.Often, this season, the Nuggets have strung together enough good performances that we breathe a little easier and declare they've turned a corner. That elation is usually followed by baffling defeats to inferior teams. It's hard to say, with this team, if they've truly overcome the malaise that prevents them from jumping into that top-tier of Western Conference teams.Last night's contest with the visiting Hornets was one of those "trap" games that have plagued this gifted but inconsistent team. This night was different, though, led by Gary Harris' 27, the Nuggets were able to easily overcome the Hornets, 121-104, leading to further speculation that the Nuggets have shed the underachiever label and graduated to that next level.The win put the Nuggets back into the 6th spot in the Western Conference playoff race, a single game behind 5th place OKC. Nikola Jokic led with 16 rebounds and Will Barton handed out a team high 8 assists. Among the starters, only Wilson Chandler did not score in double-digits. The bench performed well, with Lyles, Mudiay and DA combining for 33 points, and Torrey Craig matching Lyles with 7 boards. Craig had a scare late on a high-flying block attempt (They say Flagrant 1 on DA, I say clean block.).Over the summer, I wrote about the Nuggets need to stay the course. My contention was, that, for the 2018-19 season, there is virtually no pathway to a championship for this young team. Without the addition of several, proven, top players, there is little chance that the Nuggets could beat the Warriors or Rockets over a 7-game series. The wise path forward, then is to develop the incredible amount of talent this team has cultivated and be prepared for when it is their time.The central theme of my piece was that our core, at full potential, is better than anything we could get in trade or through free agency. Put another way, at the top of their game, there's not another Center, Shooting Guard or Point that I'd rather have in Denver than Jokic, Harris and Murray. By way of support, I point to our 2-2 record against the Champs and the last week of games. This team is on the verge of breaking through.This is specifically why I bristle at the rumored trade scenarios out there for the Nuggets. There is no value in making moves just to make moves. I can't make the case that this team would be markedly improved by the addition of Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart or any of the proposed PG swaps that we've heard (Collison?). We saw Kemba last night, we've seen Payton, I just don't see that their games would improve the Nuggets fortunes enough to mess with what has become great chemistry on this team. If we need a lesson on what damaging team chemistry can do to a tight team, we need look no further than across I-25 to the aftermath of the Broncos decision to part ways with TJ Ward. A seemingly small move, with a rising stud coming up behind him in Justin Simmons but it had an impact on a secondary that had finished first in the NFL two consecutive years.I get that professional sports are a business. I get that an immeasurable value like "chemistry" is difficult to attach a lot of team resources to but if this team has turned a corner and is competing and beating the top teams in the league, what need is there to upend that? We are already facing the imminent return and reintegration of Paul Millsap, which for all intents and purposes will be like acquiring him via trade. The fan base is easily placated with wins, so there's no need to appease them. The Nuggets have the highest increase in attendance in the league, they just had the largest crowd in their Pepsi Center history. They are smiling, they are enjoying this (Gary Harris declining to get posterized by Dwight Howard was classic). Until they show signs of regression, someone is going to have to explain to me why there's such a push to make a move before the trade deadline on Thursday.This will, of course, all be put to the test on Friday against a Rockets team that's pushing Golden State for the top record in the league. James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career and looks unstoppable. It's fitting, then that whatever team the Nuggets roll into Houston with is the team they will carry to the end of the season. I for one, believe in this team, as constituted. It's been fun to fantasize about what-if scenarios for LeBron or Kawhi but the realistic prospects for the Nuggets don't justify tinkering with a team that's playing as good as any in the League.As we saw last night, the Nuggets are fully capable of powering through trap games, coming off of big wins. If that maintains, it's one of the final hurdles to this team making some postseason noise and one step closer to NBA legitimacy.

Nugg Love NBA Mock Draft 1.0: General manager edition

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets holds his form after shooting a three pointer agains the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of the Nuggets' 88-82 win on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Time to part ways with Will Barton

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the Denver Nuggets on January 29, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three trades to bring Kyrie Irving to Denver

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets goes up for the layup against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Season review, Torrey Craig

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors posts up Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Why fans should be depressed about Warriors’ victory

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: A fan cosplays as Garrus Vakarian from Mass Effect during 2017 New York Comic Con on October 8, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/WireImage,)

Denver Nuggets: Assigning the roster as Mass Effect characters

DENVER - DECEMBER 3: Nene #31 and Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets sit prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 3, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Top six “glue guys” since 2000

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) reacts to an official's call during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets NBA Draft Prospect Analysis: Miles Bridges

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 1: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder jump for the rebound on February 1, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Is there any chance to off load Kenneth Faried’s contract?

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Free agent pitch, Gerald Green

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) gives instructions to his teammates during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Top five sleeper picks at the 14th pick

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 3: The jersey of Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nuggets during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Potential re-brand on the horizon

The Nuggets kept their win streak alive with a satisfying win against the Charlotte Hornets.Often, this season, the Nuggets have strung together enough good performances that we breathe a little easier and declare they've turned a corner. That elation is usually followed by baffling defeats to inferior teams. It's hard to say, with this team, if they've truly overcome the malaise that prevents them from jumping into that top-tier of Western Conference teams.Last night's contest with the visiting Hornets was one of those "trap" games that have plagued this gifted but inconsistent team. This night was different, though, led by Gary Harris' 27, the Nuggets were able to easily overcome the Hornets, 121-104, leading to further speculation that the Nuggets have shed the underachiever label and graduated to that next level.The win put the Nuggets back into the 6th spot in the Western Conference playoff race, a single game behind 5th place OKC. Nikola Jokic led with 16 rebounds and Will Barton handed out a team high 8 assists. Among the starters, only Wilson Chandler did not score in double-digits. The bench performed well, with Lyles, Mudiay and DA combining for 33 points, and Torrey Craig matching Lyles with 7 boards. Craig had a scare late on a high-flying block attempt (They say Flagrant 1 on DA, I say clean block.).Over the summer, I wrote about the Nuggets need to stay the course. My contention was, that, for the 2018-19 season, there is virtually no pathway to a championship for this young team. Without the addition of several, proven, top players, there is little chance that the Nuggets could beat the Warriors or Rockets over a 7-game series. The wise path forward, then is to develop the incredible amount of talent this team has cultivated and be prepared for when it is their time.The central theme of my piece was that our core, at full potential, is better than anything we could get in trade or through free agency. Put another way, at the top of their game, there's not another Center, Shooting Guard or Point that I'd rather have in Denver than Jokic, Harris and Murray. By way of support, I point to our 2-2 record against the Champs and the last week of games. This team is on the verge of breaking through.This is specifically why I bristle at the rumored trade scenarios out there for the Nuggets. There is no value in making moves just to make moves. I can't make the case that this team would be markedly improved by the addition of Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart or any of the proposed PG swaps that we've heard (Collison?). We saw Kemba last night, we've seen Payton, I just don't see that their games would improve the Nuggets fortunes enough to mess with what has become great chemistry on this team. If we need a lesson on what damaging team chemistry can do to a tight team, we need look no further than across I-25 to the aftermath of the Broncos decision to part ways with TJ Ward. A seemingly small move, with a rising stud coming up behind him in Justin Simmons but it had an impact on a secondary that had finished first in the NFL two consecutive years.I get that professional sports are a business. I get that an immeasurable value like "chemistry" is difficult to attach a lot of team resources to but if this team has turned a corner and is competing and beating the top teams in the league, what need is there to upend that? We are already facing the imminent return and reintegration of Paul Millsap, which for all intents and purposes will be like acquiring him via trade. The fan base is easily placated with wins, so there's no need to appease them. The Nuggets have the highest increase in attendance in the league, they just had the largest crowd in their Pepsi Center history. They are smiling, they are enjoying this (Gary Harris declining to get posterized by Dwight Howard was classic). Until they show signs of regression, someone is going to have to explain to me why there's such a push to make a move before the trade deadline on Thursday.This will, of course, all be put to the test on Friday against a Rockets team that's pushing Golden State for the top record in the league. James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career and looks unstoppable. It's fitting, then that whatever team the Nuggets roll into Houston with is the team they will carry to the end of the season. I for one, believe in this team, as constituted. It's been fun to fantasize about what-if scenarios for LeBron or Kawhi but the realistic prospects for the Nuggets don't justify tinkering with a team that's playing as good as any in the League.As we saw last night, the Nuggets are fully capable of powering through trap games, coming off of big wins. If that maintains, it's one of the final hurdles to this team making some postseason noise and one step closer to NBA legitimacy.

Denver Nuggets: Five reasons to trade their pick

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 27: Paul Millsap

Denver Nuggets: Huff’s hot take on Paul Millsap