The NBA season is just around the corner – time for the annual Previews Division!We present all teams, look at the best and worst case and make a forecast.Today: The Northwest Division.
Point Guard: Emmanuel Mudiay, Jamal Murray, Jameer Nelson
Shooting Guard: Gary Harris, Malik Beasley
Small Forward: Wilson Chandler, Will Barton
Power Forward: Paul Millsap, Kenneth Faried, Trey Lyles, Darrell Arthur, Tyler Lydon.
Center: Nikola Jokic, Juancho Hernangomez, Mason Plumlee
The nuggets manage to continue their sensational offense of last season’s season – Denver had the best offense of the league after Nikola Jokic was made a starter – even without the departure of Danilo Gallinari.Jokic gives the Maestro, Jamal Murray becomes even more dangerous and Gary Harris, too, is using the tailwind of the contract extension to add a little bit more fun, so that he finally gets the appropriate appreciation outside of the Rocky Mountains.
Meanwhile, Paul Millsap’s arrival brings an enormous plus in professionalism.Millsap not only complements Jokic perfectly in the front, he can also keep his back clear in the defense and teach the Serbian at least a little bit.That’s how the nuggets manage to become respectable at least at this end of the court.
They also get the point-guard question answered somehow – whether through Emmanuel Mudiay’s enormous leap in development or through a trade, for example in exchange for Kenneth Faried, is a matter of course.With a rather balanced team, the first playoff round is reached – and there, too, you’re not without a chance.
Even with Millsap, the Defense remains devastating because Jokic is happy to become a cult figure with his Highlight passes.Faried, meanwhile, is creating a lousy mood because behind Jokic, Millsap, Juancho Hernangomez, Darrell Arthur and Mason Plumlee, he sometimes only plays the sixth violin in the frontcourt, but as in recent years there is no sensible trade package for him.
Denver is one of the most spectacular teams in the league because they land in one shootout after the other, but they just can’t defend well enough against the top teams in the West.The point guard position remains a problem, as Mudiay continues to miss a barn door and loses his place (abermally) to 35-year-old Jameer Nelson, but his tank is not full either.
Although the nuggets have the best offense of the league according to analytics, the playoffs will be missed in the end.
Forecast: 3.Place in the Northwest Division.
Page 1: Denver Nuggets
Page 2: Minnesota Timberwolves
Page 3: OKC Thunder
Page 5: Utah Jazz