Denver Nuggets: Should JaVale McGee be in the Nuggets’ long-term plans?
On Nov. 10, coach Brian Shaw and the Denver Nuggets received bad news from starting center JaVale McGee. McGee had been dealing with soreness in this tibia and x-rays showed a stress fracture. This was especially devastating because the Nuggets had just given the 7-footer a four-year, $44 million contract. That left Timofey Mozgov as the only active center on the roster, so we figure he should take his place in the lineup, right? Shaw thinks otherwise. Instead forward J.J. Hickson was promoted. Let’s take a look at Shaw’s move and see if he made the right decision.
J.J. Hickson has taken advantage of his starting role. (NBA.com photo)
This is Hickson’s first year wearing a Nuggets uniform. The former Portland Trail Blazer was an under-the-radar pickup this offseason and so far that signing has paid dividends. Let’s take a look at his per 36 minutes stat line.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/18/2013.
Shooting at a 56.2 percent clip made Hickson one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA. Put that alongside his rebounding ability and we have a double-double machine. If given 32 or 33 minutes a night, Hickson could average a double-double throughout the course of a season. Over the last five games, with the absence of McGee, Hickson has averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes per game. Not to shabby if you ask me.
Timofey Mozgov has also been taking advantage of his extra playing time. Like McGee, Mozgov was given an extension this past summer. The Nuggets had hopes that he would replace Kosta Koufos. So far he has not disappointed. Here is a look at the young Lithuanians progression:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/18/2013.
Mozgov is finding his niche (NBA.com photo)
As you can see, there has been substantial improvement in Mozgov’s game. Right now he is playing 18 minutes a night and adjusting to his new role in Shaw’s schemes. Mozgov has all the qualities you want in a backup center: a big bodied rebounder. So it seems like the Nuggets are doing well at the center position without McGee. Is McGee really needed? Let’s take a look at what McGee has done:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/18/2013.
Don’t look too much into the 2013-14 season because the sample size is small and he played hurt. Doesn’t McGee look expendable? I think the Nuggets should look into potential trade scenarios. Hickson is younger and has a higher ceiling than McGee. Denver is doing well at the center position, so when McGee comes back they will be at a surplus. It is to early to gauge the NBA trade market, but if the right trade comes up I say deal McGee. At best the Nuggets are a sixth, seventh or eighth seed this year and out the first round. They should try to stock some draft picks and young talent and build for the future. What do you guys think? Is McGee a keeper or should he be on the market?
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