Will Emmanuel Mudiay bring Denver back to the Playoffs?
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The 2015-2016 Projected Roster
Point Guards: Emmanuel Mudiay, Jameer Nelson, Nick Johnson,
Shooting Guards: Gary Harris, Randy Foye, Will Barton
Small Forwards: Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Kostas Papanikolaou
Power Forwards: Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur, Joffrey Lauvergne
Centers: Jusuf Nurkic, JJ Hickson, Nikola Jokic
The Optimistic View
They were not able to land in the top 5 during the draft but the best rookie in Summer League Emmanuel Mudiay fell to them. They also hired a highly regarded coach in the person of Michael Malone this past summer. Danilo Gallinari looks healthier than ever. Ty Lawson who has been sort of distraction to the team because of his personal issues has alreeady been traded to the Rockets. And the manimal Kenneth Faried seems re-energized by Mike Malone's entry into the team.
The Realistic Expectations
Whatever we say, Denver is just starting with this new direction. And, even if the potential is there, it will take time for them to really figure out Mike Malone's system and develop the habits that their new head coach wants them to. The best thing for the Nuggets is for the team in general to show improvement as the season progresses.
Bottomline
No one expects them to compete for a title or even make it to the playoffs as they are in simpler terms, rebuilding. Yet, as long as Denver fans see their players put in the maximum effort every time they step on the floor, I am pretty sure they will still support this team all the way. They will be in the lottery again but not because they will be bad a team or anything. It is more of the other Western Conference teams are just way ahead of them in terms of experience, firepower and familiarity.
Bold Predictions
Emmanuel Mudiay will have a major impact as a rookie and will compete for Rookie of the Year Honors. Gary Harris will have more opportunities as a sophomore. Faried and Gallinari will both have solid seasons in their quest to bring the Nuggets back as a perennial playoff team. Still, they will not make the playoffs but this season will be a good first step towards where they eventually want to be.
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