The Nuggets had a dominant playoff run in 2022/23, going 16-4 to claim their first NBA championship. Led by the brilliance of two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who averaged a remarkable 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block on .548/.461/.799 shooting over 20 postseason games, Denver will look to defend its title in ’23/24.
A hallmark of the Nuggets’ success last season was strong team chemistry on both ends of the court, with role players sacrificing individual numbers for the betterment of the team. But Denver used an eight-man rotation during the playoffs, and two of those players — Bruce Brown and Jeff Green — joined new teams in free agency, signing with the Pacers and Rockets, respectively.
That’s why I was a little bit surprised to see an ESPN panel predict the Nuggets to be pretty heavy favorites to go back-to-back in ’23/24.
As the team’s sixth man, Brown played a major role for the Nuggets, with his two-way versatility coming through in key moments. The 27-year-old received far more money from Indiana than the Nuggets could have given him because they only had his Non-Bird rights, so it’s not like they did something wrong. He just got (handsomely) rewarded for his strong play.
Green was a key voice in the locker room and averaged 17.2 minutes per night in the playoffs, but he’s 37 years old and will carry a $9.6MM cap hit for the Rockets this season. That’s a pretty penny for someone at the tail end of their career. Again, understandable why he wasn’t retained, even if he will be missed.
The Nuggets didn’t re-sign veteran guard Ish Smith, who remains a free agent, while Thomas Bryant signed with the Heat. And unfortunately, forward Vlatko Cancar tore his ACL playing for Slovenia at the World Cup, so he’s likely out for the season.
Still, the incredibly effective starting lineup of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Michael Porter Jr. remains intact. The Nuggets will also have youngsters Christian Braun, Peyton Watson and Zeke Nnaji back, assuming the roster stays as is. Braun, who was a rookie last season, was the eighth man in the playoff rotation, and will almost certainly have a bigger role in ’23/24.
Denver opted to re-sign veterans Reggie Jackson (two years, $10.25MM) and DeAndre Jordan (one year, veteran’s minimum) to guaranteed contracts. I didn’t love the fact that the Nuggets used their taxpayer mid-level exception on Jackson, but apparently they think he’s capable of more than he showed in ’22/23.
In other offseason moves, Denver signed veteran wing Justin Holiday, and drafted a trio of players — Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson — to round out the roster. Interestingly, while Strawther was the team’s lone first-round pick, both Pickett and Summer League standout Tyson have more guaranteed years (three) on their deals than the former Gonzaga wing does (two).
Denver’s offseason roster is full at the moment, with the aforementioned 15 players on guaranteed standard contracts, as well as three players on Exhibit 10 deals. All three two-way slots are filled (by Collin Gillespie, Jay Huff and Braxton Key).
With limited financial flexibility, the Nuggets chose to prioritize continuity, player development and experienced college players just as much as NBA veterans. Will it pay off with another championship? Time will tell.
What did you think of Denver’s offseason? Does the team have enough depth to win another title in ’23/24? Head to the comments to share your thoughts.
I agree with you Rory and I’ve said the same in the last couple weeks. They played only eight guys in the playoffs last year and two of the key bench guys are gone. Going to be a little more difficult this time without that support for the starting five.
They’re still strong of course but like you say I’m surprised they’re heavy favorites.
It’s not going to be easy and while it’s never been easy to win a championship in the NBA let alone repeat but because of parity it’s never been harder to win one as it is right now.
They did lose two key bench pieces but I can see a role reversal of sorts off the bench. Justin Holiday has a lot of similarities with Green as he’s a grizzled vet that brings leadership and mentoring but his game is pretty similar to Bruce Brown as in he can step up and hit shots and play good team defense. Braun will have the experience of playing a major role in the playoffs on a championship team under his belt and he’s a better shooter then Green. Someone else is going to have to step up though but I could see Zeke Nnaji taking the next step. This will be his 4th season in the system, he’s an athletic big that although he struggled from deep last season in the past has shown he can help stretch the floor.
They need a Bruce Brown replacement. In their current state I have no clue who would be their new 6th man… Christian Braun?
Justin Holiday is a nice addition and he can definitely be an impactful player in their rotation.
However I just don’t think they’ll have the same success as last year. Jokić will once again have an MVP caliber seasom but Denver won’t be a top seed again.
Javonte Green if he can pass better
If it ain’t broke…
Continuity of the core is the best chance of a NBA championship repeat.
Only NBA squad I can recall that made any drastic changes to their roster and repeated was the 1995 Rockets with the (in-season) addition of Clyde Drexler.
The Lakers roster is a legit 15 men deep now but first have to learn how to play as a team.
Starting where the Nuggets are now they seem stretched thin on paper but opportunities will arise to add to the roster. The NBA season is very long.
The 23-24 Nuggets may find a Clyde Drexler.
If you can get Javonte Green to pass better than he could replace Brown some
By the end of the year, DEN could be a stronger team than it was last season. IMO, their strategy of filling out their roster was the only sustainable one available. The reliance on recent draftees (5 over two seasons) doesn’t worry me because it’s not in starring roles, they fit what’s going to asked of them and, mostly, they have volume there.
I didn’t like doubling down on Jordan (who must have pictures of Booth), and the backup bigs overall. Absent an injury, though, it’s hard to see that being a huge problem by the end of the year.
Not true about Strawther. Strawther is indeed signed through the 2026/27 along with Pickett and Tyson. For more money too since he was drafted in the 1st round. Strawther also has a qualifying offer for over $7mil for the 2027/28 season.
Strawther is under contract for four years, but like every first-round pick, only two of them are guaranteed — his third and fourth years are team options.
No different than any team that wins a championship you lose players and it gets way more expensive for your all stars. They still have the solid starters just need to find those bench players that can get it done.
The Nuggets run a great 3 man action with Jokic/Murray/Gordon (with the other 2 players spreading the floor). Was hoping that Thomas Bryant could be the third in that action when Jokic is on the bench. Would like to see a backup big that can be productive with Murray when Jokic sits. Also, figure one key thing to discover is whether Braun can fill KCPs spot…also, I’m wondering if Braun can operate as a backup point with Jokic on the court…would love to see Jokic with a sprinty D, rim running, 3 point shooting team ie: Jokic, Braun, KCP, Swatson, MPjr.