Jamal Murray's health and the 3 most important Nuggets preseason stories to watch

3.) Which young player(s) will step up

The other big x-factor for the Nuggets this year will be the play of the young players. The team has made a huge bet on their youth movement and Michael Malone is going to unleash the kids and let them play for better or worse.

With the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the team needs a new starter for the first time in years. The most likely candidate to step into that role is Christian Braun, who has shown as much as any of the team’s prospects.

The Nuggets also have high hopes for Julian Strawther to provide three-point shooting and scoring this season and they need Peyton Watson to be a defensive menace and jolt of energy. If those players can all take a step up and become reliable contributors, the Nuggets could be a better team this season.

Any other player establishing themself and earning minutes this season would just be a massive bonus. It will be fascinating to watch right off the bat, how empowered these young players look and who tries to take on a big role and fill a void.

If these guys aren’t as far along as the team hopes, then the Nuggets may be in trouble. The core of the team is built to win now, if the young players aren’t ready to do that, then some moves will have to be made.