Denver Nuggets: 2016-17 Season Outlook

Three Key Storylines: 1. Developing The Youth

Like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns in the West, the Denver Nuggets don’t need to make the playoffs in 2016-17. As long as their young, foundational pieces continue to show progress, the season will be a success.

That starts with Nikola Jokic, the surprising second-rounder who stole Mudiay’s thunder as Denver’s best rookie, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting behind averages of 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in just 21.7 minutes per game.

Jokic’s true value lies in his advanced statistics, all of which indicate his efficiency and skill with the ball in his hands. As the team’s starting center, his versatility and ongoing development have become intrinsic to what the Nuggets are trying to build.

Then there’s Mudiay, who had a less than stellar rookie campaign contrary to what his 12.8 points and 5.5 assists per game would lead you to believe. Denver will be hoping he can cut back on his turnovers (3.2 per game) and improve his horrendous shooting splits (.364/.319/.670) in his second season.

On the brighter side, Harris looked like the real deal in his second season, posting .469/.354/.820 shooting splits while doubling as the team’s best perimeter defender. Harris is already a lockdown defender and at age 21, he’s only going to get better. If he can continue to fine-tune his three-point efficiency, Jamal Murray will have an impossible task ahead of him if he sets his goals on starting.

Speaking of which, Denver’s roster is filled with promising rookies who will be fighting for minutes. Murray has the makings of a complete scorer, but he will be playing behind Harris and may be competing with Will Barton, JaKarr Sampson, Axel Toupane and fellow rookie Malik Beasley for minutes at shooting guard.

With Gallo and Chandler back, Barton may be moved to the 2 at times, giving Malone a plethora of options to choose from and no clear-cut answers as to how to balance all that youth and veteran experience.

That holds particularly true in the case of rookie Juan Hernangomez, since his direct competition will be Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur — useful players in their own right, but ones who are not necessarily essential to what the Nuggets are trying to build.

In any case, Denver’s top priority entering the 2016-17 season is allowing the young players to grow on a semi-competitive team. Whether the youngsters can make enough of a leap to challenge for a playoff spot remains to be seen, but the Nuggets’ success won’t be determined by their place in the standings at season’s end.

Next: Storyline 2: Faried's Future