The Denver Nuggets, the 2023 NBA Champions, are gearing up for another intense season. After falling short in the 2024 playoffs in a Game 7 showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team has been hard at work preparing for a new campaign with a fresh perspective. Led by their star players, Jamal Murray and reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets are determined to defend their championship title and prove that last year’s loss was just a bump on the road.
The offseason brought notable changes to the Denver Nuggets’ roster, with some key departures and new acquisitions. Most significantly, the team lost valuable guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a sharpshooter who played an instrumental role in their 2023 title run. However, Denver has added some experienced players in Russell Westbrook and Dario Šarić, who are expected to bring additional firepower to the team.
Russell Westbrook, a former MVP and dynamic point guard, brings leadership and experience. Despite being past his prime, Westbrook’s explosiveness, playmaking, and energy could be crucial, especially coming off the bench. Dario Šarić, known for his versatility, shooting, and basketball IQ, will add depth to the Nuggets’ frontcourt, providing a reliable option alongside Jokić and Aaron Gordon.
Jamal Murray, who was pivotal in the Nuggets’ 2023 playoff success, spoke during the team’s training camp about the shift in mentality. “I think anytime you lose, it kind of brings that side out of you and out of everybody,” Murray said. He emphasized the importance of staying locked in after coming up short last season. Murray, who himself endured a remarkable comeback season in 2023 after recovering from a major injury, knows the importance of staying focused. His partnership with Jokić remains one of the most potent duos in the league.
The Nuggets are no longer the underdogs. After their championship, they are now the team to beat—the hunted. But Murray and his teammates are embracing this role, channeling the disappointment from their playoff exit to fuel their drive for another deep run in 2025.
While the Nuggets are focused on their internal growth, they can’t completely ignore the blockbuster trade that took place involving one of their Western Conference rivals. Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future draft pick. The move sent shockwaves throughout the league, as Towns was one of the biggest names rumored to be on the move.
When asked about the trade, Murray gave a measured response: “No, I’m not on social media. I just worry about us. I don’t really care about anybody else.” His reaction underlines the Nuggets’ focus on their own journey and not being distracted by moves made by their competitors.
The Timberwolves, who knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs last season, are now a very different team with Randle and DiVincenzo. However, the Nuggets are determined to improve their roster chemistry and maintain their competitive edge in a stacked Western Conference.
The Nuggets’ preseason schedule will soon take them abroad as they travel to Abu Dhabi, where they will face the Boston Celtics. These international matchups are part of the NBA’s global expansion efforts and provide teams with valuable preparation time ahead of the regular season. Denver’s first test against a formidable Celtics team will give fans a glimpse into how well the new pieces, such as Westbrook and Šarić, are integrating with the squad.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will aim to avoid the pitfalls of complacency. While they’ve shown they can win at the highest level, maintaining that level of consistency is challenging. The team has the tools, with Jokić playing the best basketball of his career and Murray’s clutch shooting, to remain championship contenders.
The 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Denver. With a retooled roster and a mentality sharpened by last season’s defeat, the Nuggets are once again ready to fight for the NBA crown. Whether their new additions will help them overcome the competitive landscape of the league remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the Denver Nuggets are focused, determined, and prepared to reclaim their title as champions.
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