The Denver Nuggets entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes after a successful campaign in 2023, where they captured their first-ever NBA championship. However, the Nuggets failed to defend their title, falling short in the second round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a grueling seven-game series. Despite not repeating as champions, the team remains one of the favorites in the upcoming season, thanks to the presence of their three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic.
Denver has faced significant roster challenges over the last two offseasons, losing key contributors from their championship squad. In the summer of 2023, Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, two crucial bench players during their title run, signed with other teams. The losses didn’t stop there—this offseason, the team also lost starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who joined the Orlando Magic. Caldwell-Pope’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the starting lineup, which head coach Mike Malone plans to fill with Christian Braun. Braun, who played a key role as a reserve in the past two seasons, is expected to step up as a starter in 2024-25.
Denver’s depth, which played a significant part in their 2023 championship run, has been weakened. However, the team still boasts one of the most dominant players in the league in Jokic. His ability to facilitate the offense, score efficiently, and rebound at an elite level makes him the focal point of the Nuggets’ championship aspirations. As long as Jokic remains healthy and continues his MVP-caliber play, the Nuggets cannot be counted out.
One of the most intriguing moves Denver made this offseason was the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook. Entering his 17th NBA season, Westbrook brings a wealth of experience and an impressive resume, which includes an MVP award, nine All-Star selections, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (199). While his production has diminished somewhat as he has aged, Westbrook remains a valuable asset, particularly in a bench role.
Westbrook, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, expressed his excitement about joining the Nuggets. He acknowledged that his time with the Clippers was challenging, as he was often played out of position, limiting his effectiveness. In Denver, however, head coach Mike Malone plans to utilize Westbrook’s strengths—his speed, transition play, and ability to make his teammates better. Westbrook has already embraced this new role and believes the Nuggets’ system will allow him to thrive, especially in making the game easier for his teammates.
Westbrook’s addition is expected to bolster Denver’s depleted bench, providing them with a veteran leader and someone capable of creating offense when Jokic is off the floor. His ability to push the pace and create opportunities in transition could prove vital for a team looking to maintain its status as a championship contender.
Although the Nuggets remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference, there are still some uncertainties. The departure of Caldwell-Pope, along with the ongoing challenge of maintaining depth, could test Denver’s ability to compete at the highest level. Moreover, while Braun shows promise, he will need to adjust quickly to a larger role in the starting lineup. The team will also rely on contributions from Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., all of whom will need to stay healthy and maintain their level of play to complement Jokic’s dominance.
Additionally, with other Western Conference teams like the Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors strengthening their rosters, the path to another championship will not be easy. Denver will need to maintain consistency and find ways to compensate for the loss of key players.
The Denver Nuggets are entering the 2024-25 season as contenders, but with more challenges than in previous years. While their depth has taken a hit, they still have one of the best players in the world in Nikola Jokic, and the addition of Russell Westbrook could help alleviate some of the pressure on the bench. If Braun can step into a larger role, and the team remains healthy, Denver has a legitimate chance to make another deep playoff run and possibly reclaim the NBA championship.
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