After finishing the preseason with a 4-1 record, the Denver Nuggets provided a sneak peak of what to expect when they open the regular season next Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Clippers.
With the 2018-19 regular season officially here, the scribes at Mile High Sports got together to put a wrap on what we noticed from the Nuggets through five preseason games.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
What was the most surprising realization from the preseason?
T.J. McBride: This answer has to be how aggressive the Nuggets defensive pressure has been throughout the preseason. Almost every player on the Nuggets roster seemingly came into training camp with a determination to play with more intent and tenacity on defense, and it has showed in their play thus far.
In 2017-18, Denver averaged 7.6 steals per game. So far this preseason, the Nuggets are gobbling up 10.4 steals per contest which would have led the National Basketball Association last year by 1.3 steals. That is a drastic jump and it has everything to do with Denver playing more up the floor in all actions. Denver has been switching on the perimeter more often to help contain penetration and have also been having their bigs hedge hard in pick and roll actions. That alteration has allowed the Nuggets to get into passing lanes which produces steals and easy points in transition.
Every player on the Nuggets roster has told Mile High Sports that playing in a more aggressive manor is something they prefer and so far it has led to a clear rise in production.
Dev Johnson: One of the things that stood out most in the preseason was how Denver’s second unit looked better than expected. They have six role players that are all fighting for additional and rotational minutes. Monte Morris, Malik Beasley, Torrey Craig, Trey Lyles, Juancho Hernangomez, and Mason Plumlee are all showing that they have the ability to earn extra minutes. They are ready to step in and prove they belong.
The focus has been on who grabs the final spot in Malone’s 10-man rotation. As of now, the backup point guard role goes to Morris. He has done all of the right things to show that he is ready; at least until Isaiah Thomas is healthy enough to return. Lyles, Craig, and Plumlee are also locks to play big bench minutes. The final spot in the 10-man rotation seems to be between Hernangomez and Beasley. Both have been given plenty of opportunities to showcase that they should occupy the final spot and all have had their share of moments to sway coach in their direction. Still, having more talent is always almost always a good problem to have.
Brandon Ewing: The biggest realization from the second unit was the play of Trey Lyles. The confidence Lyles displayed offensively was exceptional. He recorded double-figures in all five preseason games and also added 17 assists against just seven turnovers. Lyles also showcased his chemistry with his teammates; specifically Torrey Craig, Monte Morris, and Mason Plumlee.
The Nuggets new and improved second unit could be a major x-factor in Denver’s success this season. Hopefully, the strong play from the reserves can also carry over into the regular season.
Who helped their case for more playing time?
T.J. McBride: This may be a bit out of left field, but Plumlee looked healthy throughout the preseason and it led to an increase in production. His defensive impact was much better, he was significantly more mobile, and he showcased his ability to finish plays above the rim.
Yes, Denver still has a glut of bigs with the likes of Jokic, Millsap, Lyles, and Plumlee all looking for minutes. It is difficult to manage a regular season rotation with four big men involved, but Plumlee is making it difficult to keep him off the floor. He not only has the respect and trust of the coaching staff, but he brings an extra level of athleticism that does not currently exist in the Nuggets’ center rotation. If he can continue to defend at a high level, Plumlee could find himself playing near, if not above, the 20-minute threshold.
Dev Johnson: Lyles was incredible in the preseason and, looking back at last year, he was also strong as Paul Millsap’s replacement once it came to light that Millsap needed wrist surgery. Now, without having to fight for consistent minutes, Lyles looks poised to make a leap forward. He will be the backup power forward and Malone has even eluded to him getting some minutes at the small forward position. Lyles will surely see his numbers increase and be of great value to the team so long as he continues on his current trajectory. He is my pick for the Most Improved Player on the Nuggets roster and I fully expect him to have another career year.
Brandon Ewing: I thought about Lyles here, but he was already due for a jump in minutes going into the season, so I am going with Morris.
Morris is ideal for the Nuggets. He is a solid backup point guard to lean on while Isaiah Thomas continues to recover from offseason hip surgery. Morris will certainly fill the role as the point guard of the second unit, but the more interesting question is what happens to Morris’ minutes with Thomas returns from injury?
It all depends on how he plays once the regular season begins, but Morris certainly made his case that he is deserving of consistent game action with how he played throughout training camp and in the preseason. Morris’ ability to score, pass, and defend like a pest on the defensive end of the floor is so valuable for Denver off the bench. Having a player who you can trust at all times is critical, and its something Morris seems to have earned with his play in the preseason.
Was there anything about preseason that made you worry more than you originally thought?
T.J. McBride: My biggest worry has been the turnover issues from Denver’s starting front court. Through five preseason games, Millsap and Jokic have a combined 30 turnovers against just 28 assists and have accounted for 30.6 percent of all of Denver’s turnovers.
It was known that it was going to take some time for both Jokic and Millsap to get on the same page, but there is clearly some kind of issue that has led to the pair of them — both who are usually very strong playmakers — turning the ball over at such a frequent rate. They need to get that issue figured out as fast as possible.
Dev Johnson: It is the preseason. It is too early to tell and the games don’t actually matter yet. Malone didn’t give us much to see and that was likely intentional. There are things that did not go as expected, such as the offense not yet clicking, but that comes with time. So instead of looking at things that worried me, I will take a positive approach and say that one of the things that is good is the fact that every player that played this preseason will head into the regular season (somewhat) healthy.
Brandon Ewing: The starters had me worried through the first three games, but these last two performances eased my mind. After two solid performances, the starters showcased a growing chemistry that will hopefully transfer once the regular season begins next Wednesday.
