The Denver Nuggets have gotten over a week to rest up from their run through the Western Conference as they await the result of Game 7 between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
After their dominant run through the West, the Nuggets are looking like favorites to win the NBA Finals. Bill Simmons believes the same, saying this Nuggets team is the best team he has seen since Kevin Durant was with the Golden State Warriors on his podcast.
“This is the best team I’ve seen in five years. It’s mostly because of how great Jokic is but also how they play off each other and how they always just get a good shot no matter what the scenario is… They definitely beat any of the 2018 teams, they would’ve beaten any of the bubble teams… I am saying the injured Warriors, nobody was beating those Durant-Curry Warriors.”
The Warriors were absolutely deadly and dominated the entire NBA for two seasons before injuries derailed their progress in 2019, and Kevin Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets. The Nuggets need to win the title to live up to these lofty comparisons, but it seems it’s now or never for Denver.
The Ideal Roster Construction
The Denver Nuggets are one of the least successful franchises in NBA history, as this is their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. If this season sees them also end their championship drought, Nikola Jokic will definitely cement himself in the all-time conversations as a top 20 player that still has room to move upwards.
The Nuggets are extremely hard to stop due to their versatility and Jokic’s innovative playmaking that can tear apart even the most organized defenses. Aaron Gordon is one of the best POA defenders in the league by virtue of his size, strength, and footwork. Michael Porter Jr. has settled in as a tertiary scorer that could give you 20 effortlessly while also using his size and length to be an effective defender in spots.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is bringing the same value he did to the 2020 Lakers and could become a two-time champion. There’s nothing more that can be said about Jamal Murray, as his return this season has shown how powerful Denver had been but couldn’t unleash it due to his injury. Jokic is the captain of this very steady ship and will hope to lead it to championship glory and cement his position among the league’s greatest.
