Denver Nuggets: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

1. Which young player will take the next step?

As mentioned earlier, the Nuggets are still a young team. The team’s core of Jokic, Murray and Harris are all age 23 or younger. Therefore, there will continue to be expectations of growth for the team’s key players, especially their backcourt duo.

As I have written about previously, Denver has an explosive and dynamic backcourt, one that fits extremely well alongside Nikola Jokic. Murray and Harris both took significant steps in their development during the 2017-18 season, something that will have to continue if Denver hopes to become a perennial playoff team in the tough Western Conference.

Both young guards are elite shooters, capable ball-handlers and willing cutters when playing off-ball — all key skills in this Nuggets offense.

Last season, Harris continued his steady, under-the-radar development, posting 17.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while hitting 39.6 percent of his 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Murray took a large step forward, averaging 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, hitting 37.8 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

While Harris projects as more of an elite 3-and-D wing, Murray possesses tantalizing offensive potential, as he’s showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways from all areas of the court.

Regardless, both are quality offensive options and will continue to be go-to options in Denver for years to come. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Nuggets’ offense was 3.6 points per 100 possessions better with Harris on the floor and an eye-opening +10.8 points per 100 possessions better when Murray was on the floor, showcasing their positive impact on the team’s offense.

Denver will need one of these two young guards (though hopefully both) to make another leap and propel themselves into the All-Star discussion. If that occurs, we will certainly be watching the Denver Nuggets in the 2019 NBA Playoffs.