J.J. Redick could be a player the Denver Nuggets look at in the offseason (Photo by Paul Gorbould/Flickr.com)
Even though the Denver Nuggets won 57 games this season, moves need to be made in the offseason.
Contracts need to be signed and holes need to be addressed. The Denver Nuggets have a strong foundation with Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried. They also have a strong bench with Wilson Chandler and JaVale McGee.
Big changes don’t need to be made, but a small move here and there could put this team over the top.
1. Denver Nuggets need a shooter
The Denver Nuggets struggle from behind the arc. They have had problems with that for the last couple years. The team shot 34 percent from 3 this year, which ranked them 25th in the league. That is far too low for a team that has championship dreams.
At the trade deadline there were rumors that the Nuggets were looking at J.J. Redick. He was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Bucks but will be a free agent this offseason. Redick or a player like Kyle Korver could help this team. Lawson drives the lane and if he could kick it out to a open shooter who could drill a shot, this team could be dangerous.
2. Re-sign Corey Brewer
Corey Brewer has become one of the most important players off the bench for the Denver Nuggets. His energy and fast-breaking ability are great for George Karl‘s run-and-gun team. Brewer also can spot up in the corner for 3s, he doesn’t shoot the best from there but has hit some big shots.
Several teams could look at Brewer, as the former Florida Gator has proved he can be a valuable player in the NBA. If the Nuggets hope for success next season, Brewer has to be a part of this team.
3. Re-sign Andre Iguodala
Despite a very slow start, Andre Iguodala has played a lot better down the stretch and become a solid leader on the Nuggets. He, along with Andre Miller, are really the only veterans on the Nuggets. If the Nuggets lose that, they could be in some trouble.
Iguodala, who has said he will opt of his contract this summer, is the best defender on the Nuggets and also has played better on the offensive end. Iguodala will be looking for a big deal but has not proved to be worth a max contract this season.
The Nuggets want to keep him but won’t break the bank for a defensive stopper averaging 13 points a game.
4. Hire a free-throw shooting coach
The Nuggets free-throw shooting can be embarrassing. They shot 70 percent as a team from the line, which is good for third-worst in the NBA. It hurts them down the stretch in close games and also hurts them when trying to pull away from teams.
These are professional NBA players and they should be able to shoot free throws. If it gets better, the Nuggets can only improve.
5. Develop JaVale McGee
JaVale McGee makes big money to play 20 minutes and dunk. Not big stats for a player that makes almost $11 million a year. He needs to become a starting center for the Nuggets. No offense to Kosta Koufos, but he should be coming off the bench in Denver.
McGee can block shots, but his rebounding must get better. His offense is raw and needs to become more polished. Right now his best play is getting an alley-oop from one of the point guards. If he develops a little jump hook and some post moves, he could become a strong center for the Nuggets.