Will the Denver Nuggets Be This Year’s Surprise Team Out West?
By Andrew Dill
Mar 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw reacts to a call in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Two seasons ago, then Denver Nuggets’ coach George Karl led the team to a third seed in the playoffs. Although they saw an early playoff exit, it was still a successful season for the franchise. However, the Nuggets felt it was time to let George Karl go and begin a new coaching era in the Mile High City.
More from Denver Nuggets
- Denver Nuggets Steal Ducks Darling Bol Bol in Second Round
- Denver Nuggets: Season Grades for the 2018-19 Players
- Denver Nuggets: Reflections on an Incredible Season
- Denver Nuggets: 3 Things to do if they Win game 7
- Denver Nuggets: 3 Things to do if they Lose to Portland
In his first year with the team, Brian Shaw and the Denver Nuggets saw a disappointing season. It wouldn’t have been as bad if they weren’t surrounded by injuries, but either way they failed to make the playoffs and fell flat.
Last season was like most seasons for the Nuggets, meaning not much changed. They scored very well with 104 points per game, but failed to play well defensively and let their opponents score an average of around 106 points per game. Before the season started, they knew the loss of Andre Iguodala to the Golden State Warriors would be a setback. Denver has always been an offensive-minded team. They have often refrained from being a defensive-minded team and have let their high-octane offense be the strategy of winning.
However, the Nuggets saw a string of season-ending injuries that put a toll on their offense, leading the Nuggets to be outscored by their opponent game after game. For the Nuggets, they either needed to add more offense to their roster or bring in some guys to help defensively. Luckily for the Nuggets, they got both this offseason.
Back to the coaching, George Karl leaving was a sad end to a great era for Nuggets’ fans. The faithful fans loved George Karl and hated seeing him go. With Brian Shaw now in his second year with the team, he must display improvement next season and bring some wins before the fans clamber for his removal. It should be possible for Shaw to deliver with the Nuggets’ new roster additions. Let’s take a look at some of the upgrades the Nuggets made to their depth chart.