3 reasons Denver Nuggets will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs

#2: A full season of Paul Millsap

The Nuggets’ premier free agent acquisition of the last decade only played in 38 games last year, a shot to the team’s chances at taking a step forward.

Despite his loss, the Nuggets still improved their season win total by six.

This year, with Millsap’s wrist fully healed from last year’s injury, the Nuggets will improve by another handful of wins, putting them in the top four of the Western Conference.

Prior to his stint in Denver, Millsap averaged 17.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game with the Atlanta Hawks.

Though his scoring numbers figure to be lower with the Nuggets due to Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Jokic carrying the load, Millsap will contribute more than his replacements last year.

Last season, replacing Millsap for much of the year was the combination of Trey Lyles and Mason Plumlee. Lyles averaged 9.9 points per game while Plumlee averaged 7.1.

This season, Millsap figures to average at least four to five more points per game than the cast that took over while he was out, increasing the efficiency of the Nuggets’ sixth-ranking offense by rating (109.6).

Millsap’s largest impact figures to be on the other end though as his 103 career defensive rating trumps both Lyles (109) and Plumlee (108.8).

In his limited time last year, Millsap was the best defensive player on the team by rating, despite battling chemistry woes that come with a new team.

With both his offense and defense serving as upgrades for the Nuggets, they figure to be fighting for a top seed in the conference, only a year after finishing three games out of that spot.