Why the Denver Nuggets could still be better than ever next season | DNBA Live

Nikola Jokic is still here. Jamal Murray will be back. Aaron Gordon is here. Vibes have been off for the online portion of Denver Nuggets fans the last few months. But there are reasons to believe that there is PLENTY of reason for optimism. It's even possible that this is the best team the Nuggets field. We put on our rose colored glasses and share reasons we believe MPJ and the Nuggets could have a surprising season ahead.
Plus, is this a do or die game for Jalen Pickett?
Start - 0:00
Raptors scouting report - 2:45
Huge game for Pickett? - 5:30
Hunter Tyson & Grady Dick matchup - 16:30
Who's stood out at SL? - 20:30
Calvin Booth on Murray extension - 28:30
Jalen Brunson deal - 34:00
Can this be the best Nuggets team ever? - 41:00
Can the starters be as good? - 50:30
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[@IamHailey8]

I think maybe playing for Serbia, Jokic knows he has to take it on himself, and he's more aggressive. But with the nuggets, he trusts the others to do their part, and he trusts Jamal and doesn't take it all on himself as aggressively, in terms of scoring, and sometimes the Nuggets need that. I hope he brings that on next season at moments when others are not performing.

[@potatosalad3848]

So many haters. Christian Braun played better defense than KCP in the wolves series. And he will be more confident on those catch and shoot 3s this year. Hes going to be a great replacement. Strawther and Alexander are showing excellent promise in the first two summer league games. We are going to be fine. We just need our rookies to step up and be confident.

[@LLawliet-tv9ig]

The main thing is just that the team needs to stay relatively healthy. We can't afford any more injuries. Strawther, Watson, and Vlatko all need to step up individually. And I know fans don't like to hear this, but with Holmes injured, the likelihood of Zeke getting traded is lower now imo. Also, Zeke is the only rim protector Nuggets have coming off the bench so it does makes sense to play him now that Holmes is out. Otherwise, the frontcourt of Saric and Vlatko is gonna get torched just like PJ Hall and Hunter Tyson in the summer league. Watson would be another guy who can be a help side rim protector, but he's not strong enough to play PF so we literally no other other option unfortunately at the front court without exerting the starters again. If we do so, it'll be like a repeat of last season relying too much on the starters and them running out of gas in the playoffs. If Zeke can somehow finds his shot and go back to playing PF again, he's actually not bad of a player IF Malone trusts him. So I personally don't think it's the worst thing in the world if Zeke doesn't end up getting traded during the off season. The ideal scenario is if Zeke gets traded for a bench contributor and/or Russel Westbrook though. Another fix would be to bring in another rim protector center and the team can play Dario Saric at backup 4. Trey Alexander has a lot of potential and has shown great promises, but he's nowhere ready to play backup PG yet. At this point, I would prioritize the development of Trey over Pickett because I think Trey has a higher floor AND ceiling than Pickett. He also has more size, is a better shooter, and overall more translatable skills than Pickett at the NBA level. Not to mention, Trey is 21 years old while Pickett will be turning 25 by the start of the season. Excited for what Strawther and Alexander have to offer next season though.

[@JovicaMilutinovic]

We all remember Jokic's game against Wolves 40 Pts masterpiece, at the end of the game KCP sprinted towards Jokic and took the ball so that he wouldn't have turnovers. Intelligent players do this because they know that such a small move will boost Jokic's masterful game on all TV and all over the Internet, and your opponent must see it every time he looks at the news.That tiny move It lifts the whole team up and further demotivates the opponent, and none of the players who are there longer with Joker do that. KCP patched a lot of holes in the Denver defense, rushing all over the field, I hope Braun is able to get at least 80% of the KCP defense. Jamal acted exactly the same as last season at the Canada game, Jokic is stepping up his game with Serbia. I hope that Jamal will not enter the new season completely out of shape like the last one, and that MPJ will be unlocked after the series with Minnesota.

[@rainofkhandaq6678]

Murray didn't even play for Canada. MPJ was good for the first 2 games vs Minnesota. Murray was trash, they were able to neutralize MPJ because Murray and KCP were non-factors.

[@ljutko7]

Jamal is done done.he had 1 great season and unfortunately that's it 💯💯💯💯💯

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen320]

@@rainofkhandaq6678 Canada and USA played last week, or a few days ago. Jamal played in that game

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen320]

@@ljutko7 1. 2020/bubble 2. 2021 before tearing his ACL 3. 2023 championship run 4. 2024 before injuries that led him to being out of shape for the playoffs

[@dontAtMe69420]

shot clock violations don't count towards the individuals TO's statline. Even if KCP didn't take the ball, Jokic still would have ended with 0 turnovers.

[@UraStr]

Look, people misunderstand each other in the comments section. I don't think any DEN fans actually think we can't win. We have Jokic, as long as we have some health we can win. BUT at the same time people are angry, because it's not that hard to maximize this chance and DEN is without question blowing it. Either it's Booth being bigshot, or owners being cheap, or Murray being "don't worry about me you lowlife reporters and fans"...what ever the reason is Jokic don't need another MJ on the team, he just need competent players that are above average or average in their position. KCP was one of them, BB was one of them. Now we have AG and he's gone next season (that might be the actual end to the window).

[@KClouisville]

They'll be a winning team and make the playoffs for sure (barring any horrible injuries). The issue is Booth's whole "project dynasty" vision is a joke and anyone who actually watches basketball can see that....at least with the personnel they have. They're probably going to have to do the same thing they did last year and just wear the starters out going into the playoffs again. When Jokic goes to the bench there are a lot of times this doesn't even look like an NBA team. Add to that you're banking on your 2nd and 3rd highest paid players making their next steps....and both of them have horrible injury histories...and one of them, Murray, can't seem to bring himself to care enough to come into seasons in shape. These DNVR guys are starting to annoy me with the contrived optimism. I get it, their own business is centered about the Nuggets being a decent squad and the better they are, the better business is. But they've gotten to the point where they're often coming off as smug or patronizing and acting like fans are idiots for merely seeing what anyone not wearing Nuggets homer goggles can see.

[@OwenHooper-mv4fm]

Really wish we had got an actual C in this draft- so many Cs fell :/

[@LLawliet-tv9ig]

You're playing the "would have, could have, should have" game because Holmes got injured, but you're overthinking it. Holmes is the best PF/C available in the draft at 22nd pick. You want a 2 way center with versatility and the ability to play next to Jokic. DaRon Holmes gives you size, rim protection, 3 pt shooting, switchability, playmaking, etc. That's why Nuggets had to trade up to get him in the first place. Otherwise, he 100% would not be available at 28. All the other centers fell for good reasons. They're undersized, cannot defend the perimeter, or lacks the offensive skills to contribute at the NBA level especially in the playoffs.

[@OwenHooper-mv4fm]

Season of Dark Joker coming at us

[@naveengta]

Hopefully

[@aleksandar8090]

Finally we come to my words about Pickett and that he is not a NBA caliber player and will never be! As i said 20 times before... with his packet of skills he ca have great Europe carrier and that is his max! Even for there he must rise his lvl if he wants to be main PG in some good Eurolige contender! Denver nuggets should not waste spot on him at all.

[@user-ke6ck6jp3e]

You are delusional, did you ever watch Euroleague, no way JP can make it in the Euroleague.

[@aleksandar8090]

@@user-ke6ck6jp3e Listen...i was giving him a little praise 😅 Jokes aside...he is good passer and have solid pg game in Europe manner...not NBA!So he can be starting PG in some mid Euroligue team...but as i said,even for that he must rise his game a bit! But man...we talking here for him playing sub PG in Denver nuggets,NBA team and contender ...idk how Adam and rest of them even have hope for that last year! When he was drafted and heard Adam give praise to him...i immediately find his "highlights" ...and i couldn't put together 1% what i was hearing and watching! He was clearly at best G-league player,what we are talking here about!!!That was definitely bad draft pick and we year after talking about him playing with bench and they are all like yea maybe he could do it....i mean NO he could not, not in this life for sure!

[@user-ke6ck6jp3e]

@@aleksandar8090exectly

[@tylerpeters2820]

This some Michelin star level copium fresh out the kitchen

[@MarcosGarcia-js6wy]

I wish Denver could have got De Silva from CU he would have been a good fit that could of played right away

[@NoahLinden]

We need the Westbrook deal to go through. Jokic thinks Westbrook is the solution, and I trust his judgment.

[@leule6056]

Dev on booty hunting mode in Vegas lol

[@HopeandPeace4]

I especially agree with the top 4: Steph, Ray A., Reggie, Damian, and I knew Bird was in the top 10, I just didn't know that he was not in the top 5, I agree with those criterias for your list.

[@UraStr]

Sportsbook know??? yes they know now how to make odds, having low chips odds doesn't mean you are championship contender, it just means, the team name is popular right now in that context (due to winning recently), so that enough people will put sucker money on them, even if they get bad odds...that's their whole purpose right?

[@jordanbielski8443]

Good on brunson. That’s how you build a team. Now NY front office has to deliver

[@milans44]

Fact is Denver has not gotten better. Jokic is going to be better but the rest will be same or worse. Jamal doesn't even look great playing for Canada. They'll be lucky to make it to 2nd round.

[@je5406]

I cant get the images of Murray getting picked clean at half court out of my head. At the time I blamed it on the injury but he struggled to get by people in last weeks Canada v US game too. Smh

[@rockysalvatore435]

​@@je5406sixth grade handles lol. Brown is better then him now lol. Even at dribbling and he's A pg 😂

[@milans44]

​@@je5406He looked very unathletic in that game.

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

Hilarious to just make these statements lol. Mpj has gotten better every single year of his career and took another leap last year, but you only watch the playoffs. CB can also take a huge leap. Jamal has had a bad couple months, that's all

[@fentanyljones6956]

Shut up.

[@jordanbielski8443]

I agree. The team needed space. Jokic blew off his frustrations on france lol!! Lets see what Murray does

[@user-ke6ck6jp3e]

If Calvin Booth can say it doesn't matter who is 15th player on the roster coz Joker make everyone better,then I can say that doesn't matter who is GM coz Joker is making everyone better.

[@nelsonreed1543]

ATP can we trade for Jordan poole

[@zachvandyke9528]

I actually weirdly like this but his contract is dumb

[@JohnFisherjpec]

Keep going with your delusional optimism guys! 😂 and now jamal is getting a max-deal for NOT being that star player and seemingly always playing like he is on the rag (injured)…btw if you are offended by this, and not by the fact that a potential top10 player all time is on your roster and is being wasted, I really hope you are…the fact that the fans are NOT like arsenal fans really makes me sick. The greatest Serbian player ever and the Denver Nuggets get him and WASTE HIM? The fans should be outraged and calling for heads to ROLL NOW! The team is pathetic, the players (other than nikola) are garbage, the owners doesn’t care because the fans are stupid, lazy, and unwilling to make the owner feel them. I mean, can Denver fans even watch their team in their own city? I rest my case!

[@ExplodingPoteto]

Dont expect anything from the rookie anymore. With that injury he wont have long NBA career. Atleast 3yrs he wont be effective in nuggets roster. Julian isnt good as well but among the 3 his the only one worth taking. And tyson and pickett are not NBA caliber players, they need to go. Denver had a chance to draft a guard but chose to pick a guy who pretty much similar to zeke except the 3 ball.

[@oficijalni5713]

This is such a delusional title it’s insane… 😂

[@jvwilli7]

Just watch. I hope you eat your words.

[@ljutko7]

​@@jvwilli7hahahahah it's over. Jamal had 1 great year. Mpj had his best... Jokic won't play like crazy alone... Trust me it's over for Denver but hey delusional fans must hope to..

[@oficijalni5713]

@@jvwilli7 I hope too buddy.

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@ljutko7 Just say you never watch the nuggets, man

[@brienhays5508]

@@MikeMike-qb6oy That guy has been in every youtube thread that the content touches on Denver for years shitting on MPJ. He's an idiot.

[@cooreyfeldman2688]

Nuggets got worse not to mention the chemistry is getting worse… MPJ trade rumors, guys not getting paid like Murray and DJ. Experienced Guys have been signing for nothing ! But we got zeke…. 4 yrs 30 mil. Bad szn loading

[@rockysalvatore435]

These guys with their fake optimism is stupid and annoying. I seriously wish joker left for a year just to play the international games so they can see how bad and atrocious this team is. No one ever had these same expectation for curry LeBron or Jordan to carry a roster like this

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

Your pessimism is just as stupid

[@ohhmyjesus]

I hope you know many NBA teams will beat a lot of international teams. Too much talent, ACTUAL chemistry and way more athleticism. Only reason why Team USA Doesn’t steamroll every team is bc they were put together within 2 weeks and thrown out there.

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

This team has a better starting roster than almost any LeBron team in his career

[@fentanyljones6956]

Did you watch Lebron’s first run in Cleveland? Fuck are you talking about?

[@rockysalvatore435]

​@@MikeMike-qb6oyyou're a coper. There's not a single star in history you'd be ok with this pathetic of a roster

[@daledenton7296]

Wishful thinking

[@studentlife5000]

If Strawther is gon be what we think he gon be, we’ll be fine

[@je5406]

2nd round exit with the current roster.

[@rockysalvatore435]

He needs to shoot 38% min w of dribble pnr here and there

[@nelsonreed1543]

lol what do we think he’s going to be.. or what do you think he’s suppose to be.. Julian already 23 he not going to have too many chances to expand his role after this year.. and with Malone as his coach he might not expand roles no way

[@NoahLinden]

We needed DaRon to repeat, but he's out for the season, so we're cooked.

[@UraStr]

Why summer league team, with 4 (now 3) NBA rotation players on the championship contender, (according to our GM) can't beat an opponent on their b2b? (we played those players hard, they played like 15 players)

[@JoseBoy-ve5kb]

Nuggets need a legitimate ALL STAR teammate next to Joker. I would trade Jamal and MPJ for Devin Booker!

[@ljutko7]

Jamal won't have good year like that 🏆 year 💯. it's over for Denver 💯💯💯💯🤫 because Denver doesn't want to do that... They bringing just rookies and players who don't deserve to play let alone in Denver with Jokić... Pathetic organization bro pathetic

[@Mangotl-gw8sf]

suns isn't idiot

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@ljutko7 I'm sorry you became a fan in the last two years and didn't earn any enjoyment from the title. Hopping on a bandwagon and then getting upset they don't win every year says more about you than the nuggets

[@LLawliet-tv9ig]

@@MikeMike-qb6oy I swear half of these "fans" are bandwagon fans who only became fans after Nuggets won the title and are only strictly Jokic fans. Those are the same guys that Adam was talking about who wants Jokic to demand a trade. They only care about Jokic winning rings even if it isn't on the Nuggets which is honestly really pathetic.

[@ljutko7]

@@LLawliet-tv9ig I'm answering to his blind a@@. Read you too. I'm saying Denver is pathetic organization they have Jokić and like u are satisfied with 1. 🤡😉🧠🤦

[@ljutko7]

Tell me 1 reason 🤣😭🤷😆

[@nelsonreed1543]

Dev with those shades look like he’s kd if he had more weight in his face

[@UraStr]

How can you compare JB and Murray? Is this a joke show now?

[@jvwilli7]

ATTENTION ALL “FANS” that think the nuggets suck now, are wasting another year blah blah blah…GET OUT OF THE COMMMENTS. We get it, pessimism is an easy take. Real fans root for the team they supposedly love. Stop watching if you’ve already counted them out. How the f**k did you all get so entitled all to sudden. Jesus.

[@jocelynalirez5551]

Agreed. Haven’t even played a game yet, how would anyone know if they are good or not lol

[@UraStr]

you don't get it but it's okay, NBA works like this... most team get this kind of championship opportunity once in a person lifetime, next time Nuggets will be good, you'll likely be dead...but let's all calm down, because even though people that have very easy jobs, (just be competent, you have Jokic, you don't need to do anything), are acting like bigshots (or cheapskates) and are blowing this unique chance...but let's be positive and happy about it

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@UraStr Not everybody chooses to be a miserable person

[@jvwilli7]

@@UraStr go root for another team. Bye!

[@jocelynalirez5551]

@@UraStr they were literally great last year. One quarter away from being in the finals. Your whole response is bullshit!!! lol

[@fromtheworldwithlove1797]

How about scooping up John Wall on a 1 year vet minimum. Can give the bench a veteran presence and facilitate while providing some scoring when necessary.

[@LLawliet-tv9ig]

0 defense with John Wall. I also question about his fit and chemistry with the team after being out of the NBA for so long. I rather have a guy who can play defense like Dennis Smith Jr. or Markelle Fultz. Westbrook is still my preferred option at backup PG with Tyus Jones being close second.

[@fromtheworldwithlove1797]

@@LLawliet-tv9ig I was hoping for Tyus Jones, makes few mistakes and can be a solid facilitator. I am curious how the Westbrook fit would be...

[@bennmacstiofan4387]

How is this CBA good for players again? Lol

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

These are some of the softest fans I've ever seen in the comments, sheesh guys

[@UraStr]

you don't get it...but it's okay...this is literarily once in a lifetime opportunity for Nuggets to get some chips and instead various parts of the organization, doing their job, which is btw not that hard, they are blowing it

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@UraStr you understand you sound exactly like the fans we used to clown on right? You'll look back at the Jokic era and wish you just enjoyed it while we had it. Were lucky to get to watch him every game. Also, we got a chip, it was awesome, more would be cool too but it's not worth being miserable about

[@JohnFisherjpec]

If they get gary trent, Russell westbrook maybe… but they’ll still have a problem… NO CENTER!!!!

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@JohnFisherjpec Was that a problem during the title run?

[@JohnFisherjpec]

@@MikeMike-qb6oy they had Jeff green, who is gone… he played the big man role, CENTER.

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@JohnFisherjpec saric is more of a C than Jeff

[@JohnFisherjpec]

@@MikeMike-qb6oy ok, fine, i guess? But its thinking like that which will see the nuggs waste ANOTHER prime year of Nikola. What an absolute crappy organization! What help did they actually get for jokic this off-season? NONE. They LOST talent!

[@MikeMike-qb6oy]

@@JohnFisherjpec This isn't fantasy bball, you don't just add up the talent. There's a chance the nuggets are laughing at the rest of the contenders in 2 years once they're all handcuffed by the 2nd apron while the Nuggets are able to make moves.