The Denver Nuggets head into the 2018-19 NBA season with the goal making the playoffs and hopefully winning a series. They are set up nicely to achieve their first playoff berth in five years, but their fate hinges on the growth of the young players. Below is an overview of what to expect of each player on the Nuggets roster.
Note: PPG (points per game); RPG (rebounds per game); APG (assists per game); SPG (steals per game); BPG (blocks per game); FG% (total field goal percentage); 3P% (3-point field goal percentage); FT% (free throw percentage)
Starters
PG: Jamal Murray, 21 yrs old, 6’4″ 207 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 45.1 FG%, 37.8 3P%, 90.5 FT%
Entering his third season in the NBA, Jamal Murray is coming off a breakout season in which he served as the starting point guard for Denver. In his first year as a starter, he flashed his immense potential as a scorer and proved to be very clutch late in games. Although he started out the year very slow, he continually improved as the season went on and was playing like a top 12 point guard by the end of the season. Hopefully he will be able to start out strong and keep up his good play. With another year under his belt, expect Murray to up his scoring and scoring efficiency. An area where Murray struggled last season was his play making, but another year of experience playing point guard should help him out. While Murray puts forth a ton of effort on defense, he lacks the needed defensive IQ right now, but good coaching and experience will help him improve on that end. If he can build off of his late season play from last year, look for Murray to put up fringe all star numbers.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 21.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 47.3 FG%, 40.8 3P%, 92.0 FT%
SG: Gary Harris, 23 yrs old, 6’4″ 210 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 17.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 48.5 FG%, 39.6 3P%, 82.7 FT%
Gary Harris is going into his fifth year as a professional, and he has improved every year since he entered the league. After a disastrous rookie year, Harris has vastly improved his scoring and defense while making himself an important part of the Nuggets’ young core. Harris fits perfectly in a lineup with Jokic, as he is one of the best off-ball guards in the league and and is great at cutting to the basket. Last season, however, Harris did show off his improved scoring off the dribble, something he was rarely asked to do in his first few seasons. Harris has improved every year he has been in the league, and this year should be no different.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 18.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 49.4 FG%, 42.3 3P%, 83.3 FT%
SF: Will Barton, 27 yrs old, 6’6″ 175 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 45.2 FG%, 37.0 3P%, 80.5 FT%
After a career year last season, expect Barton’s stats to regress a little bit next year as he moves from the role of sixth man to starting small forward. Although he will now be a starter, he will likely get less touches since he will not be the first option, like he has been as part of the bench. Although Barton has started many games due to injuries to starters, Barton’s primary role over these last three seasons has been to lead the bench unit as the sixth man. Barton has flourished in this role, as his isolation style of basketball is exactly what Denver has needed off the bench. In the starting lineup, however, Barton will be surrounded by more play makers and scorers, meaning he will not be as relied on to put up big numbers. Barton is an intregal part of this Nuggets team and fans should be happy that he is back after signing a 4-year extension to stay in Denver.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 46.2 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 80.1 FT%
PF: Paul Millsap, 33 yrs old, 6’8″ 246 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 14.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 46.4 FG%, 34.5 3P%, 69.6 FT%
After signing with the Nuggets last offseason, the former all star hurt his wrist early in the season and went on to miss 44 straight games after equiring surgery. He returned shortly after the all star break, but his play was not at the level it had been prior to his injury. Before his injury, Millsap was putting up numbers similar to what he averaged during his all star seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Once he returned, it was clear that he had some rust to shake off, though he regained most of his form by the end of the season. Millsap’s calling card has always been defense, something the Nuggets desperately need. He will be the anchor on that end and hopefully help shore up some of the defensive deficiencies of the rest of the roster, as well as contribute to what is likely to be a top 3 offense in 2018-19.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 46.5 FG%, 35.4 3P%, 72.7 FT%
C: Nikola Jokic, 23 yrs old, 6’10” 249 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 18.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 50.0 FG%, 39.6 3P%, 85.0 FT%
Nikola Jokic, entering his fourth season in the NBA, is the clear-cut best player on the Nuggets. He has an excellent chance to make his first all star game, especially if he continues to play as well as he did toward the end of last season. Jokic is arguably the best passing big man in the league, and will only continue to revolutionize the center position with his passing. Other than his passing, he is one of the most skilled players in the league and is a dead-eye shooter from 3 point range and mid range. While he is not very athletic when compared to the average NBA player, his size allows him to be one of the top rebounders in the league, averaging a double double with points and rebounds last season. His only deficiencies come on the defensive side of the ball. While his tremendous IQ allows him to position himself well, he lacks the foot speed and athleticism to keep up with many players and lacks the vertical necessary to block many shots, something that is very important for the center position. With all that said, his team defense is good and he will hopefully be able to improve on his weaknesses. Overall, Jokic is primed for a big season after signing his max contract extension and he will prove his worth after this season.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG 7.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 54.3 FG%, 41.8 3P%, 89.3 FT%
Bench
PG: Isaiah Thomas, 29 yrs old, 5’9″ 185 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 15.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 37.3 FG%, 29.3 3P%, 89.3 FT%
Isaiah Thomas was an MVP candidate two seasons ago on the Boston Celtics, averaging just under 29 PPG. After injuring his hip and being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason, however, he experienced a sharp decline in production and efficiency. Thomas signed with the Nuggets on a 1-year deal this offseason in order to get an opportunity to prove himself once again and get a large contract in the future. While Thomas has the ability to score at will, his defense is what will hold him back from being a franchise player. At just 5’9″, Thomas lacks the size to guard other players one-on-one, making him a negative on the defensive end. However, the Denver front office has seemed to embrace and offense-first identity, and if Thomas can regain some of his previous form he will likely be a front runner for sixth man of the year.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 14.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 44.5 FG%, 37.3 3P%, 90.2 FT%
PF: Trey Lyles, 22 yrs old, 6’10” 234 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 9.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1,2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 49.1 FG%, 38.1 3P%, 70.6 FT%
Trey Lyles came to Denver last offseason as a part of a trade with the Utah Jazz and turned heads in Denver. After a two poor seasons with the Jazz, Lyles improved dramatically in Denver. After seeing very little playing time during the first few weeks of the season, Lyles was given a bigger role in wake of Paul Millsap’s injury. Lyles took full advantage, showcasing his 3-point shooting prowess and is surprising athleticism on drives to the hoop. Lyles also proved to be one of the better defenders on the Nuggets, though that is not saying much given Denver’s defensive struggles. Look for Lyles to continue to capitalize in his scoring role off the bench this season.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 8.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 46.8 FG%, 38.3 3P%, 80.5 FT%
C: Mason Plumlee, 28 yrs old, 6’11” 235 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 7.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 60.1 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 45.8 FT%
Last season, Mason Plumlee turned out to be one of the most important players on Denver’s roster. With various injuries to Jokic and Millsap, Plumlee was often inserted into the starting lineup and was a very stout defender. In late game situations, Plumlee was often subbed in when the other team had the ball to provide rim protection and physicality on defense. Although his offensive game is limited to mostly dunks and put backs, he is an above average passer for a center and can help keep the bench afloat while Jokic is resting.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 6.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 57.2 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 59.5 FT%
SF/SG: Torrey Craig, 27 yrs old, 6’6″ 215 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 4.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 45.3 FG%, 29.3 3P%, 62.9 FT%
Torrey Craig was signed to the Nuggets roster after playing last season on a two-way contract between the NBA and the G-League. Craig provided much needed defense off the bench when he was called up to the NBA and even started in a few games. His offensive game isn’t bad, either, as he is a capable 3-point shooter and is strong enough to drive inside. While it is not for sure that he will be a part of the regular rotation, he is in good position to be.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 5.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 45.3 FG%, 35.5 3P%, 78.2 FT%
PF/SF: Juancho Hernangomez, 22 yrs old, 6’9″ 230 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 3.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 38.7 FG%, 28.0 3P FG%, 83.3 FT%
Juancho Hernangomez, after a promising rookie season, became ill with mono at the beginning of last season, taking him out of the rotation for the most part and limiting his abilities when he did play. Juancho is a very good shooter and has a huge motor, but is a bit undersized as a power forward yet too slow to keep up with some small forwards. Hernangomez will likely battle with Torrey Craig for minutes off the bench, but don’t expect him to play a whole lot either way.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 4.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 47.2 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 80.0 FT%
SG: Malik Beasley, 21 yrs old, 6’5″ 195 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 3.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 41.0 FG%, 34.1 3P%, 66.7 FT%
Malik Beasley, entering his third year in the NBA, has yet to show he can be part of a regular rotation for the Nuggets. While he is probably the most athletic player on the roster, he plays too fast and is very unpolished. He athleticism gives him some defensive potential, he still needs to work on being patient on offense and not rushing his shots. He was a very good shooter in college but has seemed to rush his shots in games in the NBA. Don’t expect him to be a part of the regular rotation as he will likely be used very sparingly throughout the year.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 4.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 43.2 FG%, 33.7 3P%, 77.9 FT%
PG: Monte Morris, 23 yrs old, 6’3″ 175 lbs
2016-17 Stats: 3.3 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 66.7 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 100 FT%
Monte Morris, entering his second season in the league, was in line to play as the back up point guard to Jamal Murray until Isaiah Thomas signed with Denver. Morris did not play much in the NBA last year, instead playing mostly in the G-League. Morris was a very solid point guard in college, where he set the NCAA record for assist to turnover ratio. The two things holding him back are defense and inexperience. Morris is undersized as a point guard, which will make it hard for him to ever be a positive defender. While he probably would have been solid as a back up point guard, his inexperience is most likely why the Nuggets went after Isaiah Thomas.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: 3.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 44.0 FG%, 33.9 3P%, 83.1 FT%
SF/PF: Michael Porter Jr., 20 yrs old, 6’11” 211 lbs
2016-17 Stats: N/A
Michael Porter Jr. was the top ranked high school player in the country for much of his high school career. He went to the University of Missouri to continue his basketball career, with many projecting him as the number 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, after injuring his back during the first two minutes of his college career and having multiple surgeries, his stock dropped and he slid all the way to the the Nuggets with the 14th pick in the draft. If MPJ can get healthy, he will likely go down as one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory. Out of all the prospects drafted, he is probably the most complete offensive player and has a ton of scoring potential to go along with lots of defensive upside due to his athleticism and size. With all this considered, however, it is unclear how much he will play this season, if at all. MPJ has been on record saying he will play, but it is up to the coaching staff. For this reason no predictions will be made more MPJ.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: N/A
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt, 19 yrs old, 6’9″ 214 lbs
2016-17 Stats: N/A
Jarred Vanderbilt is in a similar position as MPJ. Before being injured for most of his lone season at Kentucky, Vanderbilt was projected as a lottery pick in this year’s draft. However, after injuring and then re-injuring his foot at Kentucky, his stock fell and he was selected by the Nuggets in the 2nd round of the draft with the 41st overall pick. Vanderbilt possesses elite athleticism and rebounding potential at the power forward position. He is also projected to be a very good defender, something he was known for coming out of high school and playing at Kentucky. An element of his game that he was unable to show off much at Kentucky is his passing and handling ability with the ball. He is a very high IQ player, allowing him to make plays for others as a forward. The main thing he will need to work on is his shooting ability, as he was a very poor shooter at Kentucky and got most of his points down low.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: N/A
PF: Tyler Lydon, 22 yrs old, 6’10” 225 lbs
2016-17 Stats: N/A
Lydon, entering his second season, only made one appearance in a real game last season, spending most of his rookie year in the G-League. His season was cut short, however, as he tore his ACL in a G-League game. Lydon was known as a dead-eye 3-point shooter during his time at Syracuse University, but hasn’t shown much outside of shooting. His defense has potential, but it is hard to see him ever becoming a standout defender. Overall, it is doubtful that he will receive any real playing time this year, so he will be getting a N/A.
Projected 2018-19 Stats: N/A
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