The Denver Nuggets are coming off an incredible season. They became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit twice in the playoffs in NBA history, and even though they couldn’t get past the Lakers, they proved that they’re resilient and one of the best teams in the league.
Denver only got better in the offseason. They signed Real Madrid star Facundo Campazzo, added another intriguing prospect with high upside in RJ Hampton, signed JaMychal Green, and it seems like they’re ready to unleash Bol Bol once and for all.
But even despite their recent history and how good and dominant they’ve been at home over the past couple of years, people still continue to doubt and sleep on the Denver Nuggets. Today, we’ll show you why that’s a mistake, as we walk you through their projected lineup for the 2020-21 season.
Bench: Monte Morris, Facundo Campazzo, Markus Howard, P.J. Dozier, RJ Hampton, Will Barton, Vlatko Cancar, Tyler Cook, JaMychal Green, Bol Bol, Zeke Nnaji, Isaiah Hartenstein
Point Guard: Jamal Murray
If someone needed more proof that Jamal Murray was a special kind of talent, he put on a show throughout the playoffs in the bubble. Murray carried the load in the offensive end, played some nice defense, ran the offense, and did pretty much everything to keep the Nuggets alive in the postseason.
Jamal Murray is a star blossoming right before our eyes and now that he’s got the attention and respect he wanted, he’s poised to become an All-Star next season. He’s been a walking bucket for years and is only getting better, so don’t ever sleep on him again.
Shooting Guard: Gary Harris
Gary Harris struggled with injuries for most of last season and that was a major issue for the Denver Nuggets’ defense. Once he was back on the court, Jamal Murray had more freedom on both ends of the floor and it showed on the scoreboard.
Harris is one of the most efficient players in the league and it’s not even close. He may not put up fancy numbers but he can score from all three levels and play some lockdown defense as well. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy throughout the season.
Small Forward: Michael Porter Jr
Speaking of players that must stay healthy, it’s time to talk about Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr has a long history with injuries but once he was at full strength in the bubble, he proved why he was considered the best prospect in his class before falling to the Denver Nuggets’ lap.
Michael Porter Jr must significantly improve his basketball IQ and the game needs to slow down for him a bit. Then again, there’s no denying his ability to score in bunches from all three levels, and he could be in for a massive breakout next season.
Power Forward: Paul Millsap
Paul Millsap was never able to live up to that massive contract he signed a couple of years ago with the Denver Nuggets. So, now that he’s playing on a price range that better suits his game, perhaps the fans will go easier on him this time.
Millsap is no longer the defensive stalwart he once was. Nonetheless, he can still hold his own on both ends of the floor vs. most fours and fives, while also being versatile enough to stretch the floor as a shooter or play below the rim. Even so, JaMychal Green is going to take some important minutes away from him, that’s for sure.
Center: Nikola Jokic
And last, but not least, we find a guy that’s entered the conversation as one of the best big men in the league. He’s already not only the best passing big ever but also one of the best playmakers we’ve ever seen at any position, and that’s not up for debate.
Nikola Jokic was slimmer, faster, and stronger last season and it clearly showed up in the playoffs. If he stays in that shape, there’s no reason to think that he couldn’t be a dark horse to win the MVP award next season, as there’s nothing he can’t do on the offensive end.
Next
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Atlanta Hawks
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Boston Celtics
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Brooklyn Nets
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Charlotte Hornets
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Chicago Bulls
