The Denver Nuggets are going to be a major problem next season for one reason that should already be clear to everyone: this team is absolutely loaded. With no more tension between the front office and coaching staff when it comes to roster decisions, Denver positively loaded up on capable rotation players. And now, there might not be a team in the Western Conference with a more complete rotation than the one currently assembled in Colorado.
At the top, the core is still intact. Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Aaron Gordon will return to lead the starting five, but this time, they will likely be flanked by a healthy Christian Braun and newcomer Cam Johnson. That group already gives the coaching staff a starting unit that can move the ball, space the floor, defend, and operate through the best player in basketball. But the difference next season will be what comes after that group checks out.
The Nuggets’ bench now features Bruce Brown (and Nuggets fans rejoice), Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and DaRon Holmes II. It's reasonable to think all these guys could get legit minutes. This kind of rotation is a far cry from the shallow units Denver leaned on in previous postseasons, and it may very well be the key to keeping Jokic and Murray fresh for the long haul.
Denver might have the deepest roster in the association
Brown returns after a couple of years away and gives Denver a defensive stopper who can also facilitate offense in short stretches. Hardaway Jr. adds instant offense and reliable three-point shooting. Valanciunas is a strong backup center who can provide legitimate post scoring and rebounding while Jokic rests.
What makes this group so dangerous is that they can play multiple ways. If David Adelman wants to go small, he can slide Gordon to the five and surround him with length and shooting. If the Nuggets need to match a bruising frontcourt, they now have another reliable big to turn to in Valanciunas. And if the starters are struggling, there are proven veterans on the bench with playoff experience ready to step in.
The Nuggets' front office has constructed a complete and capable roster around the most unguardable player in the world. The result is a team that looks like it has everything it needs to run the table in the West. If Denver stays healthy, they should expect nothing less.