The Nuggets‘ need to upgrade their perimeter defense prompted them to pull the trigger on a trade for Aaron Gordon at last season’s deadline, writes Mike Singer of The Denver Post in a look back at the deal that sent Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and a future first-round pick to Orlando in exchange for Gordon and Gary Clark. Gordon sparked Denver to a 19-6 finish and is happy to be in a stable environment after six and a half seasons with the Magic.
“When I was there, it was something new every year,” Gordon said. “New coaching staff, new GM, new players. It was just so much fluctuation all the time. We didn’t know whether we wanted to tank or whether we were trying to win. It was like having your foot on the gas and the brake at the same time. Burnout.”
Coach Michael Malone called the trade “a necessary move,” but it wasn’t easy for the organization to part with Harris, who grew into a locker room leader during his time in Denver, and Hampton, whom the Nuggets viewed as a potential steal in the 2020 draft. Singer notes that Denver’s subsequent backcourt injuries would have given Hampton a chance to shine if he were still on the roster.
“It definitely was a blessing in disguise,” Hampton said. “I feel like my talent and my work ethic, God blessed me with an opportunity to come to this situation in Orlando and play right away. I’m grateful for that. At the same time, I’m grateful for Denver. They took a chance on me.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Owner Stan Kroenke may have been behind the Nuggets‘ decision to give a five-year maximum extension to Michael Porter Jr. despite his injury history, according to Marc Stein of Substack. Both attended the University of Missouri and Kroenke has been an advocate for Porter ever since he joined the organization, Stein adds.
- The Jazz are experimenting with a small-ball lineup that became necessary when backup center Hassan Whiteside was ejected from a game last week, per Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. Although the early results haven’t been positive, the team may want to keep developing it in light of the matchup problems that the Clippers created for Rudy Gobert in last year’s playoffs.
- Thunder coach Mark Daigneault watched film of his team’s historic 73-point loss with the rest of his staff, but he didn’t show it to the players, writes Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. “The lessons that you want the team to take from that game are self-explanatory,” Daigneault said. “I didn’t see a need to double down on that. The feeling that you would try to generate with the film already exists. Letting it breathe I think is almost more powerful than to dwell on the actual visuals of it.”
I watch 1982 Christmas Game Nets and Knicks in NBA TV early morning today, there was no way any team would lose 73 points in 1982. they play great defense.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault watched film of his team’s historic 73-point loss with the rest of his staff, “The lessons that you want the team to take from that game are self explanatory,” Daigneault said. “
Well I guess that explains the contract. He’s the owner it’s his money. That’s it. They should cut their loses. Collect insurance on his contract. Get the exemption from NBA. And use it for a trade or sign at deadline. And just move on.
Mr Kroenke is a very tight dude with his money, must say he made the right decision with MPJ, that is money well invested!
Gordon isn’t a difference maker but I suppose Harris is just a below average role player.
Looking forward I think the nuggets lack a little direction. They have Jokic Murray MPJ and Gordon but still haven’t looked much better. You’ve also got Morris and Barton, Green and Rivers but little difference.
Maybe another trade is coming?
What about Aaron Gordon, Bol Bol and a couple second rounders for Marcus Smart and Enes Freedom?
Celtics have also struggled early. Maybe having Brown at the 2, Tatum the 3 and Gordon the 4 is the answer? Atleast that’s a false big three they could sell and hope it gets better. Plus Bol Bol hasn’t had many opportunities maybe Boston could try with him.
As for the nuggets, Smart comes in as the starting SG and makes a huge difference. He’s an elite defender and leader and would work well next to Murray and MPJ. Enes can play the back up 5 when Jokic is out and gives you loads of point and rebounds. Boston hasn’t really used him this season preferring Horford and Rob Williams. Bol Bol would makes more sense as a developmental 3rd stringer and the nuggets haven’t had a consistent back up for Jokic for some time now