NBA: Ranking the teams in the Northwest Division for 2017-18

3. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets barely missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing with a record of 40-42. That should change going into this year as they project to slide into one of the last spots.

The Nuggets participated in the draft-day trade that saw the Jazz land Mitchell. In return for the shooting guard, Denver received Tyler Lydon, the 24th pick in the draft, and the intriguing Trey Lyles. Lyles is entering the third year of his career, but has shown flashes of being a valuable contributor in the NBA. He will likely be the primary backup to both frontcourt positions.

Jokic has the center spot on lockdown and figures to be one of the best players in the league this year. His rare combination of scoring, passing and ball handling skills make him a commodity in this league.

He will also be joined by a newcomer at power forward, Paul Millsap. Millsap signed with the team as a free agent and creates a nasty 1-2 punch in the frontcourt. He’s also an underrated playmaker and passer, which should create easier baskets for the rest of his teammates.

If guards Gary Harris and Jamal Murray can live up to the hype, the Nuggets have the potential to make some legit noise in the division this season. However, that’s a lot of weight for a couple of young men to shoulder.