Very few expected the Denver Nuggets to be in the conversation for a playoff spot in the Western Conference as the 2016-17 season drew to a close, but there they were.
Last December, the youthful team began transforming into one of the NBA’s most exciting young rosters. Headlined by the impressive play of center Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets became the best offense in the league as the calendar flipped to 2017. However, inconsistency on the defensive end of the floor plagued Denver all season long — the Nuggets ranked near the bottom of the league in most major defensive categories.
When the trade deadline rolled around in February, the organization made a concerted effort to acquire a superstar to pair alongside the likes of their blossoming young core. They failed — and Denver’s inability to defend was ultimately what separated them from clinching the final playoff spot.
After failing to sign Dwayne Wade the previous summer, missing out on Jimmy Butler or Paul George at the trade deadline, and failing to acquire one of the two again on draft night, Denver finally landed themselves an All-Star through free agency.
Paul Millsap, a four-time NBA All-Star and member of the 2016 All-Defensive 2nd Team, agreed to sign with Denver. His team-friendly contract nets Millsap a guaranteed $60 million — and while Millsap cashed in, so did the Nuggets.
Adding an All-Star of his caliber to a starting lineup that includes Jokic, Gary Harris, Wilson Chandler and possibly Jamal Murray, turns the Nuggets into serious playoff contenders.
Coach Mike Malone has said he expects Millsap’s leadership to impact this young team — one whose expectations are now higher than they’ve been in nearly ten years.
