The Denver Nuggets have enjoyed a strong 2024-25 NBA season. Despite some clear deficiencies, Denver continues to possess a top three seed in the Western Conference. If the NBA Playoffs do not go in their favor, the Nuggets will likely have to revisit plugging a key hole on the roster. Luckily, there should be a good opportunity to do so.
The Nuggets have struggled for years to address the backup center situation behind Nikola Jokic. It has led to some underwhelming ‘solutions’ to the problem.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27).© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
It should be important to note DaRon Holmes will be returning from injury in the future. Hopefully, the Nuggets’ 2024 NBA Draft selection will be able to assert himself as a key contributor off the bench.
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Holmes can likely help contribute both at the four and five spot to some capacity. However, the Nuggets could also look to an outside source as a solution in the frontcourt.
Michael Scotto revealed in his latest report that Clint Capela’s time with the Atlanta Hawks appears to be coming to an end.
“After being benched in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and dangled in trade talks before the deadline, the early expectation is Hawks center Clint Capela will sign elsewhere in unrestricted free agency this summer, league sources told HoopsHype.”
-Michael Scotto
Related: Nikola Jokic Overtaken as NBA MVP Frontrunner, Again
There are a couple of complications that come with this scenario. Capela would need to be comfortable with both coming off the bench and likely taking a discount on his next deal.
If both of those things align for the Nuggets, this potential move could offer them their best insurance to Jokic in years. The reigning MVP has played a career-high 36.5 minutes per game in 2024-25 out of necessity.
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The Nuggets could offer Capela a good opportunity to pursue a championship. That would likely be the selling point of any negotiations with the 30-year-old big man. However, they would certainly not be without competition for the services of the 11-year veteran.
Related: Nuggets Star Opens Up About Playing Through Injury as NBA Season Winds Down