4. Denver Nuggets
Vegas Win Projection: 47.5 wins
My Win Projection: 44 wins
I might be the only NBA writer to not be too high on Denver but for some reason, I just really don’t believe in this team. Nikola Jokic doesn’t play D, Garry Harris is good, not great, Jamal Murray has a lower ceiling than I think most people believe, Paul Milsap is old and injured and Isaiah Thomas is still 5’9″.
I think that Denver is still a year or two away from making any real noise in the West. I don’t believe they are a bad team, and if you look above, I still do think they will make the playoffs. With that being said, having a better record than the Timberwolves, Spurs, and Blazers I just don’t see. Yes, they have young players who are trending upward but does this trend mean they can compete in the West? Eh, I’m not so sure.
At the crux of their team is Jokic who got stupid paid this offseason. However, he can’t guard any big in this league and can sometimes go invisible during games. He could become an All-Star this year, or his development could stall. He’s talented on the offensive end but will he ever put it together is the question.
Young guys like Jamal Murray and Garry Harris are promising but, until they show more consistency, don’t scream star to me. Around them are older, experienced vets with injury issues that have had diminished production since.
I hope this team proves me wrong because of the talent that they do have but this year might not be the one. Again, I still think they will make the playoffs but more like a 7-8 seed rather than a 4-6 seed. Just trying to win some bets here people.
