The Denver Nuggets once again watched one of Nikola Jokic‘s prime seasons slip away, as they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. After a brutal blowout loss in Game 7, it was clear the team lacked the depth and firepower needed to weather adversity when it mattered the most.
For Brian Windhorst, it is clear that the Nuggets need serious upgrades. However, Windy also acknowledged that “The Joker” is unlikely to ever voice those needs to the front office, no matter how short the team falls in building a championship-level roster around him.
Windhorst on what the Nuggets need
Despite the three-time MVP’s brilliance, averaging 28.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals over the seven games of the second-round series against the Thunder, his supporting cast simply did not show up. From Jamal Murray to Michael Porter Jr. to Aaron Gordon, the key names underperformed, each posting lower scoring averages than they had during the regular season.
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Moreover, injuries to Gordon and Porter Jr. only compounded the issue, and by Game 7, Denver’s lack of reliable depth was glaring. The 32-point blowout win for the Thunder marked the biggest marginal victory that the team had in Game 7s in franchise history, which on the other hand, highlights the damning indictment of the Nuggets’ roster construction.
Windhorst noted that while Denver doesn’t have the worst roster, it’s far from good enough to capitalize on Jokic’s prime. Still, Brian is certain that “Big Honey” won’t complain or demand reinforcements.
“I would hope that he would say that. But I don’t know that he would say that. He has never articulated that, and he has certainly never done that publicly. I’ve never heard about it privately (either). But if you’re looking at this team, they’re two players short,” Windhorst said.
“What happened particularly in this postseason, Michael Porter Jr. got hurt, and he was the hell of a player he normally is. Then, Aaron Gordon hurt, and we’ll never know what would happen in Game 7 if Aaron Gordon was healthy. I don’t know. He was a huge difference-making player. All of a sudden, you’re down three guys that you can trust on that team,” he added.
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What adjustments do the Nuggets need to make?
The Nuggets desperately need shooting, spacing to open the floor for Jokic, and a quality backup big man to ease his regular-season workload. Thus, a player like Myles Turner or Naz Reid would be an ideal fit, bringing both rim protection and three-point shooting.
Even though Denver may not have the cap space to sign such players outright, a sign-and-trade deal could make sense. Even if it means moving someone like Porter Jr., who’s set to earn $38 million next season, the Nuggets might be able to bring in more well-rounded, consistent rotational pieces at that price point.
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There are more affordable and experienced veterans entering free agency. Players like Al Horford or Brook Lopez could provide championship-winning experience, while cheap depth options like Luke Kornet could be an ideal backup behind Jokic.
Lastly, if Denver truly wants to retool and come back stronger, don’t be surprised if they even explore trading Murray in exchange for a younger, faster, and more reliable point guard.