This article questions the value of the Denver Nuggets' starting five, highlighting their high salaries and suggesting they are overrated. It argues that their success is largely due to Nikola Jokic's exceptional skills, raising doubts about their individual capabilities without him.
The author points out that Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, while talented, might not be as effective without Jokic's support. Their playoff performance will be crucial to proving their worth.
The article examines the salary cap hits of the Western Conference's top seven seeds, revealing that the Nuggets have one of the highest payrolls with relatively less production compared to other teams. It also discusses the coaching changes and team dynamics, suggesting the issues run deeper than just coaching.
The article concludes by emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the Nuggets' playoff run, highlighting potential challenges posed by other teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. Their success hinges on answering several critical questions about their ability to perform under pressure and to adapt their strategies accordingly.