Denver Nuggets Preview 2021
Our Denver Nuggets preview 2021 finds that for the past three seasons, this team has been on a roll. Each of those three years, the Nuggets have made the playoffs, and in 2020, they went all the way to the Western Conference Finals before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Last season, the Denver Nuggets (47-25) finished second in the Northwest Division and third in the conference. However, unlike the year prior, they did not make it to the Conference Finals. Instead, they were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in just four games.
Nuggets Frontcourt
The guys upfront are a premium group. Our Denver Nuggets preview 2021 finds that center Nikola Jokic (26.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 8.3 RPG) is a superior player. As a shooter last season, his numbers were .566/.388/.868. Jokic also posted 1.3 SPG and 0.7 BPG. He is the best all-around center in the game, and he’s at the pinnacle point in his game. Backup JaMychal Green likes to mix it up in the paint.
After two seasons in the NBA, small forward Michael Porter Jr. has blossomed into a major force. Plus, power forward Aaron Gordon brings a high level of athleticism to his game. Last year, Porter averaged 19.0 PPG and 7.3 RPG while completing 54.2 of his field goals and 44.5 percent of his three pointers. Gordon, who shot 50 percent from the floor, hit for 12.7 PPG. Veteran Jeff Green, who can play any of the three frontcourt positions, is a skilled and determined sub.
Denver Nuggets Preview – Backcourt
Point man Jamal Murray (21.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG) is a refined shooter and dynamic playmaker. However, after 48 games last season, he tore his ACL. As Murray recovers, Monte Morris, who’s primarily been an off-the-bench guy, starts at point guard. Morris, who averaged 25.5 MPG last season, was good for 10.2 PPG and 3.2 APG. Although he’s no Jamal Murray, Morris is a sound and skilled player. Facundo Campazzo, a smart and crafty two-way player, can also start.
At shooting guard, veteran Will Barton gets the job done without drawing much attention to himself. In 2020-2021, Barton, who was good on 42.6 percent of his field goals and 38.1 percent of his threes, averaged 12.7 PPG. He also recorded 3.2 APG and 4.0 RPG. Savvy vet Austin Rivers and talented youngster PJ Dozier, who’s becoming a force on the court, offer relief.
Sacramento Kings Preview 2021 – Final Word
Mike Malone (305-274), who’s been at Denver’s helm for seven of his nine years as a head coach, has created a winning, caring culture. In the past four seasons, this team has recorded winning numbers. Our Denver Nuggets preview 2021 finds that they are now an upper-echelon team that can compete with any NBA franchise. Although we think they’ll be eliminated in the initial round of the playoffs, we also know that under Malone they’re capable of going much further.
NBA West - Northwest Division Summary - Denver Nuggets 2021
Third Place NBA West/Second Place NBA Northwest
Playoffs - First Round