The Denver Nuggets remain right in the thick of the NBA playoff race in the Western Conference with a record of 18-18. They have been carried by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who should once again be in the running for the award right down to the end.
Jokic has performed at an even higher level this season than he did last season. Without him, the Nuggets would be among the cellar dwellers in the league. When he is on the court, they are a dominant team, but when he is off it, they are the worst team in the NBA.
A big reason for the team’s lack of success without Nikola Jokic on the court is how banged up the team is. Point guard Jamal Murray tore his ACL last April and could be sidelined for the duration of the 2021-22 season.
Forward Michael Porter Jr., who signed a max rookie extension before the season, is also out for the remainder of the year. He underwent a procedure on his back and the team is hopeful he will be back at 100 percent for the 2022-23 campaign.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic Impact For Denver Nuggets’ Defense Deserves Recognition
Despite so many key pieces missing, the Nuggets are not looking at this season as a rebuilding one. They still want to compete and will be looking to make some upgrades to the roster to make that happen.
Over at the Denver Post, it was shared what Denver is looking to acquire at the deadline. Some help on the wing and backup center are on the Nuggets’ wish list.
“Amid mounting injuries, the Denver Nuggets are actively searching for ways to improve their roster ahead of the trade deadline, two sources told The Denver Post. With long-term injuries to both Michael Porter Jr. and P.J. Dozier, the Nuggets’ primary target is a wing, one source said. Outside of Will Barton, who can play small forward but is more a traditional shooting guard, the Nuggets’ roster is devoid of any true wings.”
Injuries are difficult to overcome. It becomes that much tougher to navigate them when the injuries are piling up at the same position, as they have with the Nuggets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic Impact For Denver Nuggets’ Defense Deserves Recognition
Depending on how much Denver is willing to spend on the market, there are a few players that look to be available that they could get in on the bidding for. Cam Reddish of the Atlanta Hawks is one name that comes to mind on the wing.
In the middle, the Denver Nuggets could make a call to the Sacramento Kings. Alex Len could be a possibility or the team could take a chance on Marvin Bagley III, whom Sacramento has been looking to move for a while.
