2016 Denver Nuggets

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]

Denver Nuggets (Last Year: 33-49)

2016-17 Projected Depth Chart:

C: Nikola Jokic/Jusuf Nurkic

PF: Kenneth Faried/Joffrey Lauvergne

SF: Danilo Gallinari/Wilson Chandler

SG: Gary Harris/Will Barton/Axel Toupane

PG: Emmanuel Mudiay/Jameer Nelson

NBA Free Agents:

PG-D.J. Augustin (UFA)

SG-Mike Miller (UFA)

PF-Darrell Arthur (PO)

2016-17 Team Salary: Approximately $59.4 million

NBA Offseason Team Needs:

1. A Face of the Franchise: Denver has a solid collection of players, but lacks any real star power for the roster. For this franchise to take a step forward and compete for a playoff spot, the Nuggets need to find a player who can carry the load, and nobody on their current roster seems to fit that bill. It’s unlikely the Nuggets can lure one of the top free agent to the Mile High City, and they are unlikely to find a major difference-maker through the 2016 NBA Draft. This leaves the team in a difficult situation where packaging some assets might be the only way to check this need off the list.

2. Shooter: Finishing 25th in the NBA in three-point shooting last season, the Nuggets should search for an outside threat who can come off the bench and knock down some open looks.

3. Draft Strategy: With three first-round picks (No. 7, No. 15, No. 19), the Nuggets have a chance to add some young talent, but probably don’t need to bring in three rookies next season. It may be difficult for them to package their picks to move up or land a veteran who can help right away, but it is something management should actively pursue. If Denver cannot package its picks expect the franchise to trade one or draft at least one foreign player who the team can stash overseas.