Denver nuggets jersey4/6/2023 ![]() Porter would become bench captain, enjoying the perpetual green light to shoot that’s been lacking in minutes shared with Jokic and Murray. Each would receive high-volume opportunities to torch second-unit defenses without getting bludgeoned by opposing All-Stars scorers. Imagine a high-scoring second unit featuring a Bones Hyland-Michael Porter Jr. Simultaneously, this lineup allows the bench to enter a new age of electrifying offense. It isn’t a stretch to say this could be the most well-rounded starting unit in the league. This group is switchable, devoid of defensive holes, and capable of averaging double-figure scoring five-deep. Gordon would play the dunker spot, capitalizing on Jokic feeds, as Brown (40.4 percent from deep on limited attempts) would drain outside shots and rim-roll frequently. Jokic dominated last season with 27.1 points and 7.9 assisters per contest, while Murray averaged 21.2 points per game in 2020-21 (before missing last year with an ACL tear).Ĭaldwell-Pope would space the floor as an outside shooter, having knocked down 39.0 percent from deep last season and 41.0 percent in the previous year. The offense would revolve around the highly successful Jokic-Murray two-man game. Murray, also an improved defender, would be delegated to someone he could likely contain. Gordon combines strength, quickness, and athleticism to defend the top opposing wing, while Jokic (a much-improved post defender) would take the competing big. Brown would utilize his aggressiveness and physicality against the smaller of the two scorers, while Pope would leverage length and steady footwork against the larger. PG: Murray, SG: Brown, SF: Pope, PF: Gordon, C: Jokicĭefensively, Brown and Pope would put clamps on opposing guards. Now, with Pope and Brown in the fold, the following lineup could put Denver in the top eight both offensively and defensively: ![]() ![]() Malone has long desired a group of defensively savvy starters who are also offensively competent. Porter brings much to the table from a shooting and scoring standpoint, yet is a known liability on defense. to start, which is understandable seeing he’s on a maximum contract. However, it’s likely Booth still expects Michael Porter Jr. Most notable was Malone’s decision to play defensive bulldog Torrey Craig over generational scoring prospect Michael Porter Jr., a move Connelly countered by ousting Craig in free agency.Ĭurrent GM Calvin Booth’s early moves suggest better congruency with the desires of the coaching staff. Connelly brought in strong scorers, while Malone preached defense and toughness. However, it was clear Malone and Connelly (who enjoyed a solid overall relationship) preferred differing styles of play. It’s hard to dispute the success of former President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, who smoothly ushered Denver out of the Brian Shaw era and into four straight playoff appearances. Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone will be tempted to challenge presumed lineups, favoring the strong defenders the team has acquired. Let’s examine an option that would certainly appeal to Malone’s style. However, coach Michael Malone may opt to rattle the cage and challenge these consensus rotations. Most experts pencil in Murray, Caldwell-Pope, Porter, Gordon, and Jokic as starters, with Brown delegated to the second unit. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic will finally be accompanied by a healthy Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.įactor in newly-acquired stoppers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown joining defensive stalwart Aaron Gordon, and suddenly the 2022-23 squad has deep playoff potential. The Denver Nuggets are heading for a season in which everything could come together. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Nuggets won 116-112, This rogue Denver Nuggets starting lineup will tempt Michael Malone, This rogue Denver Nuggets starting lineup will tempt Michael Malone, This rogue Denver Nuggets starting lineup will tempt Michael Malone. PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 05: Jamal Murray #27 speaks with teammate Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game four of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on in Portland, Oregon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |