The Denver Nuggets made a number of additions this offseason. They also moved on from players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook. However, Denver added Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas. Denver's offseason has received positive feedback for the most part, and it seems as if ESPN is impressed with what the Nuggets accomplished.
Denver is expected to have six players ranked within ESPN's top 100 players. Valanciunas (87), Johnson (67), Christian Braun (62), Jamal Murray (46) and Aaron Gordon (40) are all ranked within ESPN's top 100-11 overall players. Nikola Jokic will be ranked within ESPN's top 10 players -- and the only question is whether or not he will be first or second overall.
The Nuggets' depth will be important throughout the upcoming campaign. Jokic will lead the way, while Gordon and Murray will make big impacts. Players such as Valanciunas and Braun provide crucial depth. Meanwhile, Johnson features the upside of a star at the NBA level.
The decision to move on from Porter may have been difficult for the team, but Johnson's potential suggests it could be a good move. He could end up turning into a star with the Nuggets.
Nuggets hoping to find success in competitive Western Conference
Competing in the Western Conference is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish in today's NBA. While the Eastern Conference is seemingly wide open, the West features no shortage of talented teams. Teams that may end up in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the West would probably be near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
As a result, the Nuggets clearly made an effort to address specific voids on their roster as opposed to simply adding superstars. Denver's attention to detail and focus on depth should lead to promising results. Of course, any roster led by Jokic is likely going to have an opportunity to make noise in the standings.
With the season right around the corner, expectations are high for this Nuggets squad. They would love to bounce back following a disappointing postseason exit last year. The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to return a similar roster and they will probably be the favorites to repeat as Western Conference champions, but perhaps the Nuggets' new roster will be able to pull off a playoff upset.
For now, Denver is focused on preparing for the regular season as training camp and the preseason draw near.