The Athletic NBA Daily: "How Can the Nuggets Win the West?"
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Esperaheny, Adam Mares
Guest: Adam Mares from the All NBA Podcast and DNVR
1. Offseason Overhaul and Roster Changes
Overview:
The Denver Nuggets have undergone a significant roster overhaul during the offseason, marking the most eventful period in the Jokic era. Unlike previous offseasons where minor adjustments were made, the Nuggets have added multiple players, fundamentally reshaping the team's core.
Key Points:
- The team has moved beyond adding one or two players, indicating a comprehensive strategy to enhance the roster.
- Emphasis on acquiring role players that complement Nikola Jokic’s playing style.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([04:06]): “This is the most eventful off season of the entire Jokic era. There's never been more than one or two guys added to the roster. This is a whole roster overhaul.”
2. Acquisition of Cam Johnson: A Strategic Fit
Overview:
One of the standout moves is the acquisition of Cam Johnson, who brings more than just offensive prowess to the team. His defensive intelligence and ability to stay in the right spot on the court are seen as pivotal for the Nuggets.
Key Points:
- Cam Johnson is praised for his shooting ability and defensive awareness.
- His arrival allows for a more cohesive starting lineup, reducing reliance on key players like Michael Porter Jr.
- Johnson’s versatility in both transition and half-court settings addresses previous defensive shortcomings.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([05:29]): “Cam Johnson lives in the coffin corner. He loves the coffin corner. It’s not a coffin corner to him.”
- Dave DeFore ([06:35]): “Cam Johnson is not a mistake prone guy.”
3. Defensive Enhancements and Role Adjustments
Overview:
The addition of Cam Johnson is expected to bolster the Nuggets’ defense. The team aims to minimize defensive mistakes, which have historically cost them in crucial moments.
Key Points:
- Johnson's presence allows Aaron Gordon to focus more on rim protection rather than perimeter defense.
- Enhanced defensive stability aims to prevent the team from giving up easy baskets during critical periods.
- The team's defensive rating is expected to improve, especially in high-pressure situations.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([06:47]): “Cam Johnson is solid enough to not make that compromise.”
- Dave DeFore ([08:09]): “Having an eight-man rotation allows for fresher legs in the postseason.”
4. Depth and Bench Strength
Overview:
Depth has been a critical issue for the Nuggets in previous seasons, often leading to fatigue and inconsistent performances during the playoffs. The offseason moves aim to address this by expanding the rotation and ensuring fresher players are available.
Key Points:
- New additions like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. provide valuable minutes and shooting, easing the load on the starters.
- Improved bench depth is expected to sustain the team's performance throughout the long NBA season and deep into the playoffs.
- Potential inclusion of Jonas Valančiūnas remains a question, affecting the team's center depth.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Mares ([08:41]): “The ability to not wear yourself out is a big piece of this.”
- Esperaheny ([09:52]): “David Adelman now is going in with a deeper roster.”
5. Jonas Valančiūnas Situation
Overview:
Jonas Valančiūnas is a focal point of discussion, with uncertainties surrounding his future with the Nuggets. His role as a backup center is crucial for balancing Jokic’s minutes and providing inside presence.
Key Points:
- Valančiūnas offers reliable rebounding and scoring, essential for maintaining team performance when Jokic rests.
- Contractual uncertainties and potential offers from Europe add complexity to the Nuggets’ strategy.
- Maintaining Valančiūnas or finding a suitable replacement is vital for the team's defensive and offensive balance.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave DeFore ([10:22]): “Do you think they're still gonna...what's your gut say?”
- Esperaheny ([10:22]): “Valančiūnas represents at least the idea that even if your second unit is hemorrhaging points...”
6. Impact of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown
Overview:
The acquisitions of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown are seen as significant additions that enhance both the offensive and defensive facets of the team.
Key Points:
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: Brings shooting and playmaking abilities, enhancing the team’s offensive schemes alongside Jokic.
- Bruce Brown: His defensive versatility and experience are expected to stabilize the team's perimeter defense.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([14:29]): “Tim Hardaway Jr. might be number one [in the trade]. He can shoot the ball, he can run dribble, handoff game and pick and roll game.”
- Esperaheny ([15:43]): “Bruce Brown is phenomenal back in Denver like he was two years ago.”
7. Comparing Nuggets to Western Conference Competitors
Overview:
The discussion shifts to how the revamped Nuggets stack up against other top teams in the Western Conference, particularly the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
Key Points:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: The Nuggets are now considered on par with the Thunder, contingent on maintaining their roster strength.
- Houston Rockets: Pose a significant threat, especially if key players like Kevin Durant remain healthy and perform consistently.
- Golden State and Clippers: Both teams are viewed as contenders, but health and consistency remain concerns.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([21:24]): “If we assume Valančiūnas is there, I do put him in the same tier as Oklahoma City.”
- Esperaheny ([23:20]): “Denver has the ability to negate their biggest weapon, which is speeding them up by getting into Jokic.”
8. Championship Contention: Prerequisites for Success
Overview:
For the Nuggets to be genuine championship contenders, several critical factors need to align throughout the season.
Key Points:
- Jamal Murray’s Health and Performance: Murray must enter the season in peak condition and maintain consistent performance to alleviate Jokic’s load.
- Peyton Watson’s Defensive Role: As a key defender, Watson needs to excel in guarding top perimeter players to solidify the team's defense.
- Consistency and Depth: Maintaining a healthy roster with deep bench contributions is essential for sustaining performance during the grueling NBA schedule and playoffs.
Notable Quotes:
- Esperaheny ([26:35]): “Jamal Murray has to come in and have a career season, no questions asked.”
- Esperaheny ([28:52]): “He has to be healthy all year, and for him to be healthy, he needs to probably be in the best shape of his life.”
9. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
Overview:
The panel concludes with an optimistic outlook for the Nuggets, provided that key players remain healthy and the team can effectively integrate their new additions into a cohesive unit.
Key Points:
- The offseason moves have positioned the Nuggets as serious contenders in the West.
- Health, especially of pivotal players like Jokic and Murray, remains the linchpin for the team's success.
- With a deeper rotation and strategic acquisitions, the Nuggets are well-equipped to challenge top-tier teams and mount a significant playoff run.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave DeFore ([30:15]): “... convinced that the Nuggets are now on the same tier as the Thunder.”
- Esperaheny ([29:20]): “Golden State, I feel like something's... harder than ever to make it through 82 games and four rounds of the playoffs.”
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets have made substantial strides in their offseason, aiming to address previous weaknesses and bolster their championship aspirations. With strategic acquisitions like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown, combined with an emphasis on depth and defensive stability, the Nuggets are positioned to contend fiercely in the Western Conference. However, the health and performance consistency of key players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will ultimately determine their success in navigating the competitive landscape of the NBA West.
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