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It’s safe to say that this Denver Nuggets season is not going according to plan.
Currently sitting sixth in the West with a record of 13-10, Denver has been struggling to put together a consistent winning streak and doesn’t quite look like a true title contender. Despite Nikola Jokic’s impressive performance of 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a recent game, they still suffered a loss to the struggling Wizards who had lost 16 consecutive games prior to that matchup.
Jokic is having an outstanding season, ranking second in points, rebounds, and assists per game in the league. However, the team seems to be lacking support, with Jamal Murray not performing at his best and young players like Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther still developing. The losses of Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in previous summers have also been significant.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein’s Substack The Stein Line, Denver is determined to make changes to their roster to better support Jokic.
While specific targets were not mentioned, it is noted that the options may be limited. Trade restrictions for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon before the Feb. 6 deadline complicate the situation. Michael Porter Jr. could be a valuable asset in a potential trade, but the team needs to consider maintaining their 3-point shooting strength.
Porter Jr. is currently averaging 18.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with a career-low 38.3% from three-point range. Improving depth and defensive abilities while also enhancing their outside shooting threats could be a focus for Denver in potential trade negotiations.
One trade scenario suggested by Adam Mares, Nuggets beat reporter for DNVR Sports, involves sending Porter Jr. to the Hawks in exchange for Bogdan Bogdanovic and possibly De’Andre Hunter. This trade could provide Denver with additional depth, scoring options, and playmaking ability.
Regardless of the specific moves, it seems like the Nuggets will need to make adjustments before the trade deadline to enhance their chances of competing for a championship.
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