The Denver Nuggets had a good run this 2019-20 NBA season although they fell short of reaching the NBA Finals. Regardless, the big story for the year was the Nuggets rise from the grave. Falling behind 1-3 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver surprised many when they bucked the odds and eliminated the highly fancied Clips.
Against the Lakers, there is no question that overcoming the purple and gold would have truly rolled eyes. But for a team that had LeBron James and Anthony Davis, overcoming the Lakers would be a tall order. Regardless, the Nuggets made a good account of themselves. A lot of credit goes to Michael Malone, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic for their run.
The performance means that the Nuggets could be just a player or two away from improving from this season. One player that could make sense for them is Jrue Holiday. Former Nuggets coach George Karl believes that Denver may want to check out the 30-year-old guard. And a casualty could be Michael Porter Jr. who has been getting his share of criticism for his shady defense.
The Nuggets have a lot of promising young players on their end. But it remains that any NBA team needs a veteran to help guide the younger stars and the team in all. Holiday has also shown he has the numbers he can deliver that Denver could use.
Last season, Holiday played in 61 games and normed 19.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds. Those are good numbers to have, needed support to what Murray and Jokic have proven they can do. The only problem is that the Pelicans have not openly mentioned that Holiday is on the block.
Even if the Pelicans dangle Holiday, it would take a lot of money to take him in. He is due to make $25 million next NBA season, meaning the Nuggets will have to figure out who to offer plus more.
One name that has been suggested is Porter. Though he is considered a rising star, his contributions are far from what Holiday brings. The 22-year-old forward played in 55 games, norming 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. But as mentioned earlier, it is his defensive side that needs plenty of work,
New Orleans could use Porter although he would play behind the likes of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. He could improve with the Pels although the team has yet to name its next head coach. Alvin Gentry is no longer around and the word going around is that he is may join Doc Rivers with the Philadelphia 76ers.
