Denver Nuggets: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

4. Frontcourt fit

The Denver Nuggets had to cycle through a number of different frontcourt starters last season, as evidenced by the 32 different starting lineups. Beyond the injury issues, Mike Malone struggled to figure out his forward starters for most of the season.

The biggest concern for the Nuggets was the power forward spot. At times, the team tried to start Jusuf Nurkic or Mason Plumlee alongside Nikola Jokic. They tried Kenneth Faried with Jokic, which worked well on offense but was flammable on defense.

More from Denver Nuggets

• This overlooked skill proves that Nikola Jokic is underrated defensively
• Why the loss of impact players won’t damage Denver’s repeat title hopes
• Has Denver’s risky offseason hurt their repeat title hopes?
• The Nuggets’ sneaky great draft bolsters their championship roster
• Despite a short series, the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat saved the NBA

After the Danilo Gallinari trade and the Paul Millsap signing, the frontcourt rotation will definitely be more stable. Wilson Chandler, Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic are the clear starters — they started in all four of the preseason games in which they played.

In addition to the increased stability, this frontcourt trio fits well together on both ends of the floor. Wilson Chandler works well as a mobile forward with enough size to switch on defense. Paul Millsap can stretch the floor and will dramatically improve Denver’s defense. Nikola Jokic will see far more stability as the team’s focal point after coming off the bench to start last season.

Overall, the Nuggets will have a locked-in starting lineup in the frontcourt after a constantly shifting situation last season.