At 57-25 in 2023-24, the Denver Nuggets completed second within the Western Convention. Denver beat the Lakers in 5 video games within the first spherical. Subsequent up for the Nuggets was an especially powerful collection vs. Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Denver misplaced the primary two video games, received the subsequent three, after which proceeded to lose Video games 6 and seven.
The Nuggets wouldn’t have the ability to defend their championship within the 2024 playoffs. Moreover, they’ve misplaced some key items of their championship roster in 2023. They traded Reggie Jackson and three unprotected second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets. Beginning SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a free agent this offseason and he signed with the Orlando Magic. At summer time league on Tuesday, Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone instructed reporters the staff must signal a backup PG. We’ll see what the staff can get completed.
Denver wants so as to add depth at guard after the losses that they had this offseason
Michael Malone Says Nuggets Want Backup Level Guard https://t.co/MhGD9QPFvh
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 17, 2024
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone made Denver’s scenario very clear. They’re in search of a depth piece at PG. Somebody who can come off the bench and play for Jamal Murray. One participant the Nuggets have been linked to this offseason is all-star Russell Westbrook. The 35-year-old simply completed his sixteenth skilled season within the NBA. At this stage in his profession, Westbrook may be the right participant for Denver. Westbrook is conscious of who the beginning PG is for the Nuggets.
He wouldn’t be traded to the Nuggets to exchange Murray. Denver would need him to be their backup PG and a participant who can management the second unit. The nine-time all-star performed in 68 video games for the Clippers in 2023-24 and made 11 begins. Whereas Westbrook would assist the Nuggets, there’s no assure they’re in a position to get a deal completed. LA has overtly stated they’re making an attempt to accommodate Westbrook’s want to play elsewhere in 2024-25. It might make sense for the Nuggets to try to commerce for the veteran PG.
Michael Malone on the #Nuggets beginning taking pictures guard place:
“I’ll inform ya, I’m not giving that to anyone. It’s gonna be a contest.
I instructed Julian Strawther, man like push one another. Let’s see who’s gonna win that spot.”
Additionally praises Christian Braun. pic.twitter.com/aI0vzb2vaD
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) July 13, 2024
If Denver is unsuccessful in buying and selling for Russell Westbrook, they’re going to need to pivot elsewhere. That might contain the staff buying and selling for a participant who’s on a veteran’s minimal in 2024-25. Denver additionally has the choice of making an attempt to make use of the younger expertise they’ve and develop them into function gamers. Julian Strawther and Trey Alexander who might see taking part in time if they’re unable to discover a veteran PG.