The NBA offseason is nearly here, and that means it’s almost time for the Denver Nuggets to explore the world of free agent signings.
In this volume of “Five Players,” Mile High Sports will dig down and find the five best, and most realistic options at the power forward position in this summer’s free agent class.
There are a few big names that could help speed up the development of the franchise into one that will compete for titles.
Kenneth Faried has managed the four slot for four years now, and with rumors circulating as to whether or not he wants to remain in the Mile High City, the opportunity may exist for a new man to be the face of the Nuggs at the power forward position.
Now, here are the five power forwards the Nuggets could consider signing this offseason in the event Faried moves on.
Al Horford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGAPmPDhMjY
Age: 29 Size: 6′ 10″, 245 lbs
Career stats: 14.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.2 BLKPG
2015-16 stats: 15.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.5 BLKPG
Mr. Efficient, just the kind of player head coach Michael Malone likes. Horford has a reputation as one of the most dependable and consistent players in the NBA. He is a steady player that can play both the four and the five positions effectively.
Horford was selected with the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, the only team he has played for, and has been a staple for them in his tenure. Horford has started in 574 of the 578 games the team has played since he has been a member of the organization.
Horford, a four-time All-Star, would be a nice fit to a young Nuggets team who has promise in the post. His nine years of experience to pair with his relative youth are both reasons as to why Horford is in position to earn a max contact in free agency this summer.
The Nuggets need rim protection, and Horford brings just that as he ranked fourth in the league last season in blocks per game.
If the Nuggets are in a splurging mood, Horford would be a nice addition to help boost the experience and durability of the team’s forwards.
Ryan Anderson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9bb4r6g0E4
Age: 28 Size: 6′ 10″, 240 lbs
Career stats: 13.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.4 BLKPG
2015-16 stats: 17.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 0.4 BLKPG
Ryan Anderson is classified as a stretch-four player, a commodity that has taken the basketball world by storm in the spaced-out game the NBA is evolving into.
A stretch-four is exactly what the Nuggets need – a guy that can run both ends of the floor effectively without hesitation.
This will be Anderson’s first go around as an unrestricted free agent, and he has made it known he has been looking forward to it.
“I’m excited for this summer to kind of be an unrestricted free agent, finally, and feel things out,” Anderson said on The Vertical Podcast, “have my decision be the one that matters.”
Anderson can shoot at a high rate, and drain shots from behind the arc, arguably the biggest needs Denver must address this offseason. The fact that he could do that at the four is that much more intriguing.
Again, like most free agents, Anderson will look to cash in on the rise in the salary cap, meaning the Nuggets will have to break open the piggy bank to attract Anderson to the Mile High City.
Terrence Jones
Age: 24 Size: 6′ 9″, 225 lbs
Career stats: 10.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.2 BLKPG
2015-16 stats: 8.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.8 BLKPG
Terrence Jones is an intriguing option for the Denver Nuggets. The 2012 first-round pick took a step backwards last season, like most of the Rockets team; however, that should not stop the Nuggets from looking at this diamond in the rough.
Jones put together a solid rookie season, but blossomed in his sophomore season, averaging nearly a double-double per night with 16 points and nine rebounds per 36 to pair with his 58% shooting percentage.
Injury cut his 2014-15 season short, and the debacle that took place in Houston this year resulted in inconsistent playing time for Jones, hurting his value on the open market.
Jones can do a little bit of everything. He can stretch the floor and play both solid offense and defense. While his ceiling isn’t as high some younger players, he could prove to be an excellent two-way player for the Nuggets at a value price.
He is currently a restricted free agent; however, with what is happening in Houston it could be assumed that leaving would not be such a bad thing.
Because the last two years of his rookie contract were a mess, his value plummeted, meaning the Nuggets could swipe Jones at a bargain, giving them the financial flexibility to go out and sign more free agents.
Mirza Teletovic
Age: 30 Size: 6′ 9″, 242 lbs
Career stats: 8.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.3 BLKPG
2015-16 stats: 12.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 BLKPG
Teletovic is yet another stretch-four on the list of available free agents. He is versatile on both ends of the court and has a quick shot that could prove valuable for the Nuggets.
Per 36 minutes, Teletovic averaged 20.6 points for the Phoenix Suns last year, a career high. The Nuggets need a versatile scorer that has a solid catch and shoot game like the Bosnian.
The main difference between Teletovic and other stretch-fours is that he should be much cheaper on the open market.
While he might not make as big of a scoring impact as Anderson, he would provide a reasonable amount of production for someone of his value.
With the five draft picks the Nuggets currently hold, the idea of singing a middle-of-the-road player as opposed to a big-name free agent makes sense. The Nuggets could upgrade at the position, but not overshadow the youth.
Regardless, Teletovic would be an upgrade at the position the Nuggets need help in.
David West
Age: 35 Size: 6’9″, 250 lbs
Career stats: 14.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.8 BLKPG
2015-16 stats: 7.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.7 BLKPG
The one thing comes to mind when you put David West into the conversation is veteran leadership.
West is a well-traveled player that has been in the league since 2003. His ultimate goal of becoming an NBA champion has not been achieved, and sadly it may not happen.
He is 35 and is in decline mode, while he has shown he is willing to take less to win, his value may not be worth the roster spot for a contending team.
Last offseason the Nuggets brought in Mike Miller to be a player-coach for the youngsters. The results were beneficial in the eyes of the players, franchise, and the fans.
With Miller no longer under contract, the Nuggets are in search of another veteran leader, and West could be the guy if he’s willing to sign with a young team.
Singing with a team in development has its pros and cons, but the hope this team possesses could land the veteran forward in Denver.