Denver Nuggets Season Preview
Re-signed: DeAndre Jordan
Additions: Dario Šarić (free agent), Russell Westbrook (free agent)
Draft Pick: DaRon Holmes II (No. 22 overall)
Departures: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (to Magic), Reggie Jackson (to 76ers)
Unsigned Free Agents: Vlatko Čančar, Justin Holiday, Braxton Key
Last Season Recap
The Denver Nuggets fell short of defending their title in the 2023-24 season, bowing out in the Western Conference semifinals. One of the biggest challenges they faced was the loss of key bench players, which exposed their depth issues when members of their starting five needed rest or were underperforming. Jamal Murray struggled with consistency late in the season, and despite his heroics in the playoffs, he couldn’t lift the team past the semis. Michael Porter Jr. also underwhelmed in the postseason, which only magnified Denver’s bench deficiencies. Despite Nikola Jokić’s MVP-caliber performance, including a near-third MVP award, the Nuggets couldn’t repeat their championship magic.
Summer Summary
The Nuggets’ reluctance to exceed the NBA’s second tax apron limited their offseason moves. As a result, they allowed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key rotation player, to depart for a bigger payday in Orlando, following in the footsteps of Bruce Brown’s departure the previous summer. The most notable addition to the team was Russell Westbrook, who signed a budget-friendly deal to bolster the bench. However, the Nuggets suffered a setback when their first-round draft pick, DaRon Holmes II, was ruled out for the season after undergoing Achilles surgery.
Jamal Murray’s contract situation also dominated much of the summer, as he was eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension. Denver and Murray finally reached an agreement, securing his future with the team as they look to maintain their contender status.
Player Spotlight: Christian Braun
One of the key storylines for the Nuggets this season will be the development of Christian Braun. With the departures of crucial role players, the Nuggets need Braun to step up and solidify himself as a reliable rotation piece. Last season saw flashes of potential, but Denver will need more consistent production from the young guard, as well as from other role players like Julian Strawther, to maintain their edge in the competitive Western Conference.
Season Outlook
Despite losing valuable contributors, the Nuggets remain a strong contender as long as Nikola Jokić is healthy. His durability and versatility keep Denver in the mix, regardless of the challenges surrounding him. However, the real question is Jamal Murray’s ability to elevate his game. If Murray can stay healthy and perform consistently, especially during the second half of the season, the Nuggets could win 50-plus games and make another deep playoff run.
While the Nuggets are capable of returning to the Finals, their success hinges on staying healthy, finding reliable bench contributors, and whether they can overcome a Western Conference that may be hungrier and more competitive than before.
