Nuggets Fans Crushed by 14th Pick

As the Nuggets trio grows into stardom, adding complimentary (affordable) pieces is far more important than the never-ending quest for #1 picks or superstar free agents.

It’s been noted that the Golden State Warriors are a good model for Denver’s build.  They have the young trio, they need to work out the complimentary pieces.  Golden State has had to say hello and then goodbye to several good complimentary players but they’ve kept the Championship core intact.  Think of Will Barton’s imminent departure as Harrison Barnes leaving the Warriors.  Great piece, fits well but his individual goals outweigh his value as one of those pieces.  Denver has a Barton-in-waiting in Malik Beasley.  Just like Barton, he’s needed a couple of seasons to mature and get stronger.

I’ve seen a lot of chatter since last night about the Nuggets trading out of the 14th pick.  Most center on moving up, a mistake.

The Nuggets are past the point in their rebuild of adding draft assets.  We have all the “young talent” we can handle.  It’s time to build around that young talent with veteran players.   Also worth kicking the tires on our own set of possibilities in Lyles, Juancho and Beasley.   Given Tyler Lydon’s shooting he should get a look at the 3.  Jokic makes things fit that may previously have seemed impossible. If Lydon can play D, knock down shots and cut to the basket, Jokic will make him successful.

That’s the key.  Nikola Jokic is how the Nuggets shake off the yoke of failure.  He’s an MVP caliber player with a unique skillset.  He improves everyone around him.  He deserves the maximum amount of money the Nuggets can pay him because he is the only path this team has to a championship.