Denver Nuggets: 5 keys to making the playoffs in 2017-18

2. Play Defense

Ok, by now you’ve heard it a thousand times, Denver post-Dec. 15, 2016: Highest rated offense in basketball. You might be wondering how that team missed the playoffs. Denver post-Dec. 15, 2016: Worst rated defense in basketball. Addressing the defense is clearly a key to making the jump from budding playoff team to undesirable postseason matchup.

The defensive woes can’t be explained by just one or two factors. This was the imperfect storm on that side of the ball. Denver’s core had a very low average age, particularly their guards. Plus, the starting point guard was a 35-year-old Jameer Nelson. Danilo Gallinari was no defensive stopper on the wing, and his injury problems stretched the Nuggets thin at times.

The backup guards, Murray and Mudiay, carry a ton of offensive potential, but neither performed as plus defenders. With no stopper on the wing, Father Time running the point and a young, athletically challenged Jokic guarding the paint, the Nuggets were vulnerable on the defensive end. They could score with the best of them, but they got scored on by everyone.

The Nuggets do have hope for some improvements on that end of the floor though. They signed Millsap and while he can’t singlehandedly right this ship, he instantly becomes this team’s best defensive player and their leader on that end. With one of the league’s smarter defenders by his side, Jokic might be in a better position to protect the rim.

Ironically, Denver might see a defensive improvement thanks to significant offseason loss. Danilo Gallinari was this team’s leading scorer, and the undisputed face of the organization in the post-Melo era. He’s gone now, and a lack of depth on the wing means Denver might need to hang onto Wilson Chandler — a movable contract, and a player that reportedly wanted out of Denver last year. 

Chandler wasn’t happy in his role last season, but this year that should change. He is now the obvious candidate to start at the small forward position. There, he will be a considerable defensive upgrade from Gallo, albeit a significant downgrade on offense as well.

In addition to the re-shuffled line up, Denver’s young core might be ready to step up. Gary Harris is an opportunistic defender, capable of timely steals and converting on the other end. Perhaps alongside Chandler, with Millsap behind him, Harris is ready to take the next step defensively.

It’s not realistic to expect Denver to become a good defensive team, or even an average one. But dead last leaves plenty of room for improvement, and improving is exactly what the Nuggets must do to make the playoffs.