2. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets will likely remain a tier below being a true contender this season without Jamal Murray. Murray injured his knee late in the season and could miss the entire 2021-22 campaign as a result.

But, even without Murray, this team still has the talent to make some noise. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is still manning the middle with budding star Michael Porter Jr. alongside him in the frontcourt. Will Barton is a solid wing player, and Aaron Gordon has the potential to be a difference-maker.

While a lot of focus has been on the backcourt and how the Denver Nuggets will replace Murray, the frontcourt has some depth issues. Jeff Green was signed away from the Brooklyn Nets, which will help. But will he hold up as the backup center all regular season as he did in the postseason?

Unless the Denver Nuggets are ready to make Bol Bol a part of their rotation, they could use another big man in the frontcourt. Marc Gasol could fill that void that was left when JaVale McGee signed with the Phoenix Suns.

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Bol is the only player on the roster with a center designation other than Jokic. Zeke Nnaji and JaMychal Green could slide over to the five spot in certain circumstances, but adding an established veteran like Gasol would help Michael Malone keep his rotation in order.