As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, all eyes are on the Denver Nuggets. Can they defend their first-ever NBA championship title? Let’s take a look at their performance last season, their off-season changes, and the Nuggets playoff chances with season-long prop bets.
Nuggets Playoff Chances
Going into the 2023-24 season, the Nuggets have a 96% chance of making the playoffs according to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: -2500
- Percent to make playoffs: 96%
Nuggets Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +550
- Conference Winner: +260
- Division Winner: -370
- Regular season wins: 53.5
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Denver Nuggets 2022-23 Season Recap
The 2022-23 season was a historic one for the Denver Nuggets. The team, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, clinched their first-ever NBA championship. Jokic, who averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, was instrumental in the Nuggets’ success. His unique skill set and basketball IQ made him a nightmare for opposing teams, and his performance in the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular.
Jamal Murray, who returned from a knee injury that had kept him out for more than a season, was equally impressive in the playoffs. He averaged 26.1 points per game, providing the Nuggets with a reliable scoring option alongside Jokic. Michael Porter Jr., who overcame back issues, shot 41.4% from beyond the arc in the regular season, adding another dimension to the Nuggets’ offense.
The Nuggets’ starting five, which also included Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, was a formidable force throughout the season. Despite losing key reserve Bruce Brown to free agency, the Nuggets’ depth was a significant factor in their championship run. Players like Christian Braun stepped up when called upon, showcasing the team’s strength in depth.
The 2022-23 season was a testament to the Nuggets’ talent, depth, and resilience. With a historic championship win under their belt, the Nuggets have set a high bar for the upcoming season.
Offseason Changes
The Denver Nuggets’ offseason was relatively quiet, with the team focusing on maintaining its core group of players. However, there was some movement.
Bruce Brown To The Pacers
The departure of key reserve Bruce Brown to the Indiana Pacers was a significant change. Brown was an integral part of the Nuggets’ championship run, providing valuable contributions off the bench. His departure leaves a void in the Nuggets’ rotation, but the team is confident that other players can step up to fill his shoes.
Bigger Role For Christian Braun?
One player expected to take on a larger role is Christian Braun. The guard had a promising rookie season and showed potential to be a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. Braun’s defensive prowess and off-ball offensive IQ make him an excellent fit next to Jokic and Murray, and he is expected to see increased minutes this season.
Draft & Veteran Signings
In addition to internal development, the Nuggets also made a few moves in the draft and free agency. They selected Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson in the draft, two players who will likely spend time in the player development pipeline. In free agency, the Nuggets re-signed veteran guard Reggie Jackson to keep an experienced presence in the rotation.
Supermax Extension For Murray?
However, the Nuggets’ biggest offseason move was not a new addition but a decision to hold off on a long-term extension for Jamal Murray. According to Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth, the team anticipates that Murray will qualify for a supermax extension by making an All-NBA team this season. This decision indicates the Nuggets’ confidence in Murray’s ability to continue his upward trajectory and their commitment to keeping him as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Nuggets Team Strengths
The Denver Nuggets’ strengths lie in their star-studded roster, depth, and championship experience.
First and foremost, the Nuggets boast one of the best duos in the NBA in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic, a two-time MVP and the reigning Finals MVP, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. His unique skill set and basketball IQ make him a nightmare for opposing teams. He averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game last season, showcasing his all-around game.
Murray, on the other hand, provides the Nuggets with a reliable scoring option alongside Jokic. He returned from a knee injury to average 26.1 points per game in the playoffs, proving his ability to perform at a high level in high-pressure situations. The chemistry between Jokic and Murray is undeniable, and their combined talent makes the Nuggets a formidable force.
Beyond their star duo, the Nuggets have a strong supporting cast. Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting ability, Aaron Gordon’s defensive prowess, and Christian Braun’s potential to step up in the absence of Bruce Brown make the Nuggets a well-rounded team. Porter Jr. shot 41.4% from beyond the arc in the regular season, adding another dimension to the Nuggets’ offense. Gordon, the team’s best defensive player, provides a strong presence on the defensive end. Braun, who had a promising rookie season, is expected to take on a larger role this season and could potentially fill the void left by Brown.
Another strength of the Nuggets is their depth. The team’s supporting cast was instrumental in their championship run last season. Players like Reggie Jackson, who was re-signed in the offseason, provide valuable contributions off the bench. The Nuggets also have promising young players like Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson, who could potentially step up and contribute this season.
Finally, the Nuggets’ championship experience is a significant strength. Having won their first-ever NBA championship last season, the Nuggets know what it takes to win at the highest level. This experience will be invaluable as they navigate through the regular season and the playoffs.
The Nuggets’ strengths lie in their star-studded roster, depth, and championship experience. These strengths position them as a formidable force in the upcoming season and make them a team to watch in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Nuggets Team Weaknesses
Despite their championship pedigree and star-studded roster, the Denver Nuggets are not without their weaknesses. These areas of concern could potentially impact their performance in the upcoming season and are worth keeping an eye on.
One of the Nuggets’ main weaknesses is their reliance on their star duo, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. While both players are incredibly talented and have proven their ability to perform at a high level, their heavy usage could potentially lead to fatigue or injuries as the season progresses. This was evident last season when the Nuggets had to navigate through injuries to key players like Reggie Jackson, DeAndre Jordan, and Jay Huff. If either Jokic or Murray were to miss significant time due to injury, it could severely impact the Nuggets’ performance.
Another area of concern for the Nuggets is the departure of key reserve Bruce Brown. Brown was an integral part of the Nuggets’ championship run, providing valuable contributions off the bench. His departure leaves a void in the Nuggets’ rotation, and while players like Christian Braun are expected to step up, it remains to be seen if they can fill Brown’s shoes. The Nuggets’ bench depth will be tested this season, and their ability to maintain their performance levels when their starters are resting could be a decisive factor in their success.
Additionally, the Nuggets’ defensive prowess could potentially be a weakness. While they have strong individual defenders like Aaron Gordon, their team defense could be improved. Last season, the Nuggets allowed their opponents to score an average of 110.1 points per game, ranking them 15th in the league in terms of points allowed per game. Improving their team defense could be a key area of focus for the Nuggets this season.
Finally, the Nuggets’ ability to handle the pressure of being the defending champions could potentially be a weakness. Winning a championship brings with it a certain level of expectation and pressure, and how the Nuggets handle this could impact their performance. Teams will be gunning for them, and every game will be a test of their mental toughness and resilience.
While the Nuggets have many strengths, these weaknesses could potentially hinder their performance in the upcoming season. How they address these areas of concern could be a decisive factor in their quest to defend their title.