NBA Power Rankings: 2014-15 Western Conference Projections

12.  Denver Nuggets — 35-47

Hardest month:  November  (.550)

Weakest month:  February  (.437)

Back-to-backs:  21

Brian Shaw wasn’t thrown into a dumpster fire last season.  He was thrown into the mid-1300’s, where a human would fall over every second due to the bubonic plague.  With Denver, it became the injuries that hindered their playoff hunt.  Then, more injuries.  When did the sky turn clear for their hopes?  It stayed storming in Mile High City from start to finish.

Shaw is one of the few coaches you can evaluate and place the statement of “His record doesn’t do him justice.”  He can lead a group of egos, because he’s played with the most egotistical duo in history with the Lakers.  His voice was heard during the Kobe-Shaq ups and downs, which typically ended in confetti showers.  The Pacers admired Shaw during his tenure as an assistant, and each player will sit and tell you he was a large part of their mental focus and preparation.

Outside of skillful point guard, Ty Lawson, Shaw lost this team from a leadership standpoint.  What throws gasoline on the prolonged Danilo Gallinari ACL recovery?  It could’ve been the departure of Andre Miller, a candid and successful veteran that doesn’t take criticism lightly.  He’ll tell you exactly what he believes, and he’s earned the right to do so.  He didn’t want to be under Shaw’s wing, and forced his way to Washington, where he was obviously in a better mood.

JaVale McGee doesn’t have the stress fracture in his leg keeping him in a suit (which doesn’t fit his goofy reputation at all), and Gallinari brings his versatility and efficiency back to the starting lineup.  The last time Gallinari laced up for Denver, he fit directly into the mix in terms of scoring from all areas.  In fact, he ranked 8th of all small forwards in PER (16.73) that played at least 32 minutes a night.  It indicates that he’s able to remain efficient with a high dosage of time on the court, and all he needs is some luck attached to his knee.

Denver may own the best depth of the West as it pertains to the small forward and power forward spots, thanks to Kenneth Faried getting re-signed this summer.  J.J. Hickson is cut from the same tree as Serge Ibaka in aggression and out-hustling all five players on the opposing team, and it leaves Shaw with no worries in the frontcourt.

Wilson Chandler belongs in the mix of most overlooked players, although his field goal percentage took a 4.6 percent drop, as his 3-point efficiency also lowered by 6.5 percent.  He wasn’t accustomed to playing with the Nuggets’ first unit as much, and he’s more fit to be a sixth man.  The opportunity has been granted, once again next season.

Lawson wasn’t shy about stating how much Denver is being slighted this coming year.  You can’t blame the stud of a floor general, and you also can’t blame the critics and naysayers.  How would you be given the optimistic views when the team is suspect to be banged up, along with Shaw realizing you can’t replace George Karl and carve the same path.