Denver Nuggets:Will Jordan Hamilton Break Out In Year 3?
The Brian Shaw era in Denver has gotten off to a rocky start. The departure of reigning Coach of the Year George Karl could create a gap in leadership in the Denver Nuggets’ organization. One of the Nuggets budding stars, Ty Lawson, is expected to take that next step both as a player and a leader. However, the former North Carolina Tar Heel was arrested on suspension of harassment. Lawson will have his day in court to prove his innocence, but this situation isn’t necessarily the right step to take to fill Karl’s leadership void.
Another problem facing rookie head coach Brian Shaw is the rehabilitation of Danilo Gallinari. The former Italian League MVP will probably not be ready come tipoff Nov. 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Additionally the Nuggets will be missing All-Star Andre Iguodala–who left to join the Golden State Warriors. So, as you can see, the odds are starting to pile up against the reigning No. 3 seed. Shaw and his staff will need players to step up if they want to repeat their 57-win season.
Who will replace Gallinari’s production? Photo Credit: NBA.com
Who will step up in Denver? Jordan Hamilton can be a candidate for Brian Shaw and the Denver Nuggets. The former Texas Longhorn has received little playing time during his short two-year NBA career. Despite only playing 9.9 minutes per game, Hamilton has made a decent impact. Prorate his 2012-13 numbers to 36 minutes per game and Hamilton averages 18.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest. Obviously it has yet to be seen if Hamilton has the motor to translate those numbers over 36 minutes. Can Hamilton temporarily replace Gallinari? As a 3-point shooter, the numbers indicate yes. Gallinari is a career 36.9 percent 3-pointer shooter while Hamilton is 36.6 percent. Obviously Hamilton’s sample size is much smaller, but it is obvious that he is no slouch in that department. Look for Hamilton to receive more minutes under Shaw, especially while Danilo Gallinari is rehabbing from his torn ACL. If Hamilton can maintain good production, he can help the Nuggets repeat their 2012-13 success.
[slider_pro id=”8″]