1. Offer Andre Iguodala the exact same contract that Ty Lawson received last offseason.
Result: Let's call it a wash. The Nuggets didn't offer Iggy an absurd amount of money, but he left anyways. Can I mention that I feel completely betrayed he left for the Warriors? What a joke...
2a. Trade for a "star player".
Result: Mmm. Nope. Didn't listen.
2b. Trade Kenneth Faried for that star.
Result: Seems like the Nuggets are surrounding the team around Faried now.
3. Pursue Kyle Korver like he is LeBron James.
Result: Hahahahahahahahaha... Nope.
4. Look for a new back-up point guard.
Result: Nate freaking Robinson. I don't even know what to say.
5. Demote Kosta Koufos.
Result: Kinda? Koufos was traded on draft night for Darrell Arthur. Another 6'9 power forward. *sigh*
So taking into account that new Denver GM Tim Connolly could not have gone more opposite of what I had suggested for the Nuggets, it's now time to assess what has happened. But before I begin I'm just going to be honest. I believe that with the roster currently assembled, the Nuggets will ALWAYS be a 6-8 seed team in the playoffs never amounting to anything great for at least the next five years.
Coaching Change
Brian Shaw: It was only a matter of time before one team gave Phil Jackson's apprentice, Brian Shaw, a chance at a head coaching job. Now the Nuggets new coach has to back up all the talk with performance. Coach Shaw is someone who is interested in player development which should excite Denver fans. George Karl NEVER gave rookies or young players a chance to make a name for themselves, except Kenneth Faried. Here's to hoping that either Jordan Hamilton, Evan Fournier or Quincy Miller have a breakout year under the tutelage of Brian Shaw.
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| Some happy individuals. I'm not. Not at all. |
He also seems to be focused on creating a more half-court offensive mindset in Denver which is something that has been lacking for... well, ever. Although I think it is important to change the offensive culture in Denver I don't believe that the Nuggets currently have the personnel to do so. I mean, can anyone see JaVale McGee posting up at all?
Also, I fear that Denver is just a stepping stone for Shaw who has had a longtime home in Los Angeles. Call me crazy but I think most coaches would prefer LA over Denver. And I think Los Angeles just wasn't ready to give a rookie coach the reigns in the mess that is the Lakers at this moment. I can't see Shaw being in Denver for over his current 3-year contract.
Grade: B+
Draft/Draft Night Trade Acquisitions
Erick Green: The Nuggets traded the Draft's tallest player in Rudy Gobert (7'2) for Erick Green, the NCAA's leading scorer last season (25.0 ppg). Green is an intriguing player but his limited size (6'3) and lack of a passing game will make him a role player at best. But his scoring ability is something to be excited about. Still, giving up all that size in Gobert really is a head-scratcher.
Grade: C+
Darrell Arthur: Denver also traded beloved big man Kosta Koufos on Draft Night. Although it stung to see Koufos go, it seems that it is finally time to see what JaVale McGee is capable to do as a starter. But what Denver got in return for the former starting center isn't something to be overly joyful about. Darrell Arthur is a 6'9 power forward who is not overly proficient at anything. He is an above average defender, average offensive player and a below average rebounder. His stats last season looked like this: 6.1 ppg/2.9 rpg/0.451FG% in 16.4 minutes per game. It seems that size is not important to Denver.
Grade: C-
Joffrey Lauvergne: Who? All I thought of when I heard his name was:
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| All I do is rage when I see this face... |
And this did not make me happy.
Grade: I have no idea.
Free Agency
JJ Hickson: It has become completely obvious that Denver thinks small-ball is the way to go after signing Kenneth Faried 2.0 as their first big Off-Season acquisition. JJ Hickson was nothing short of solid last season for the Portland Trailblazers averaging a double-double per game (12.7 ppg and 10.4 rpg). But he is still a 6'9 center. There is no getting around that fact. He is an absolute source of energy, the ball seems to always bounce his way and he is good for three to five highlight dunks per year. Sound familiar?
Denver officially has two Kenneth Farieds and this is not necessarily a good thing. An undersized athlete can only get an NBA team so far. But constantly going to battle with shorter less physical players is an equation for failure. Part of me feels that Hickson will surprise me and show me that energy and hustle is greater than height. For now, I can only wish for that. But taking into account that his contract is only for around $5 million per year, he's not an expensive risk.
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| Denver's top acquisitions. Hickson (left) and Foye (right) |
Randy Foye: I actually am excited for the acquisition of sharp-shooter Randy Foye. He can handle the ball on occasion and knows his role on the floor: shoot 3's. This is something that Denver sorely missed last season, so adding Foye doesn't hurt. The former Utah guard averaged 10.8 ppg while shooting .410 beyond the 3-point arch for the 2012/2013 season. Those are solid numbers. This may be the move that proves to be most worthwhile for Denver. But Foye is by no means a shutdown defender and doesn't seem to have a huge passing prowess.
Grade: B
Nate Robinson: The newest addition to the Denver Nuggets comes in the shape of a 5'9 lighting rod known as Nate. After a one-year stint with the Chicago Bulls where Robinson thrived under the coaching of Tom Thibodeau, Nate is now taking his talents to the Rocky Mountains. This move means a couple things for Denver fans.
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| Can Nate thrive in Denver? |
2. DENVER DOES NOT CARE ABOUT SIZE OR DISCIPLINE!
Nate Robinson is short. Wow, I know. News Flash. But he also has no sense of a good shot. Every
shot is a good shot for Nate "The Great". I know how dynamic he was at times for the Bulls. I lived in Chicago for the past year. I witnessed the amazing playoff stretch he had which included the 23-point 4th quarter performance against the Brooklyn Nets. I also believe Robinson had a very under-the-radar regular season averaging 13.1 ppg and 4.4 apg. But he is the definition of streaky and has a highly flammable attitude. Part of me worries how a rookie coach will be able to handle that. Let's fill in the blank people: Nate Robinson + JaVale McGee = _____________.
Grade: D+
Denver has compiled a roster of small high energy players. After new coach Brian Shaw mentioned that his offense will be centered around the half-court, the front office then went to acquire a team made for the fast break.
Height is also a huge concern for Denver. Here are some alarming numbers:
Average PG height: 5'10 (at best)
Average PF height: 6'8.5
Not to mention a 6'9 center (JJ Hickson)
It'll be interesting to see how this weird misfit group will work together next year under a first-year coach. But part of me worries this off-season has set Denver back several years.
Overall Grade: C- (Just below average... aka Not... Good... Enough...)
what's the likelihood they miss the playoffs this year?
ReplyDeletemaybe MN can sneak into the playoffs