NBA New Season Preview: Denver Nuggets – Jokic Leads the Team’s Comeback, Westbrook’s Performance to Watch

The new season of the NBA is about to kick off, and today we introduce one of the strong teams in the Western Conference – the Denver Nuggets.

Review of Last Season:

Last season, the Nuggets, with Jokic as the core player, along with Murray, Gordon, Pop, and Little Porter, achieved a record of 57 wins and 25 losses in the regular season, ranking second in the Western Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, the Nuggets easily defeated the Lakers 4-1. However, in the semi-finals, despite leading 3-2, the Nuggets were reversed by the young Timberwolves, ending their championship defense abruptly. This was clearly not the result the Nuggets had hoped for.

Changes During Offseason:

The Nuggets underwent significant changes during this summer’s offseason. The team signed Westbrook and Saric, renewed contracts with Murray, Jordan, and Chandler. However, the Nuggets also lost their starting player Pop, who transferred to the Magic with a three-year $66 million contract. Additionally, Reggie Jackson joined the 76ers. Nonetheless, the Nuggets maintained their four main players, and Braun is expected to enter the starting lineup in the new season. Overall, the Nuggets maintained the greatest degree of stability during the offseason. The addition of Westbrook may bring more vitality to the team, but at the same time, the Nuggets may need to endure some negative consequences brought by Westbrook during certain periods.

Prospects for the New Season:

The Nuggets still possess one of the best starting lineups in the league, and they need to prove that being eliminated by the Timberwolves last season was just an accident. Jokic still has the best individual ability in the league, while although Murray did not perform well in the Olympics, he remains reliable in the NBA. Coupled with Gordon and Little Porter, the Nuggets’ foundation is very stable. These four starters, plus any other player, have extremely strong competitiveness throughout the league.

In terms of players, Jokic won three regular-season MVPs within four years, and it is worth looking forward to whether he can replicate James’ feat of winning four MVPs in five years in the new season. Whether Westbrook, who transferred to the Nuggets, can rejuvenate in his new home and what impact he will bring to the Nuggets is also worth paying attention to. Gordon could become a free agent next summer, and his performance in the new season will be crucial for his new contract. Overall, the Nuggets’ goal for the new season is still the championship. These players are currently in their championship window, but they face fierce competition in the Western Conference.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Jokic, Murray, Gordon, Little Porter, Braun

Predicted Regular Season Ranking:

2nd to 5th in the West