The Denver Nuggets could be buyers at the trade deadline. Here is a congruent player who may be available without the cost of core members.
At 25-11, the Denver Nuggets are among the NBA’s biggest surprise stories. They’ve established Pepsi Center as a fearful place for opponents, while also boasting a respectable 10-8 road record.
Now 36 games into the season, Denver has the league’s fifth-best net rating at plus-5.3. They rank eighth-highest in both offensive rating (111.3) and defensive rating (106.0), despite injuries to Paul Millsap and Gary Harris.
Many thought Denver would tumble from atop the Western Conference when Harris and Millsap went down. Yet, the squad kept churning out victories behind superb play from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The core is mostly healthy now, with Will Barton‘s return just around the corner.
Lurking in wait to contribute are stud potentials Isaiah Thomas and Michael Porter Jr.
Something is seriously brewing the in the Rocky Mountains. The question is, just how far can it go?
The Nuggets face a couple possibilities from here. They could certainly use this hot start to make the playoffs and end the drought. Or, they could shoot higher.
When teams become contenders, they wheel and deal at the trade deadline. The Nuggets should consider themselves buyers between now and February. Most notably, they should focus their attention on Trevor Ariza.
Ariza’s current team, the Washington Wizards, should be deadline sellers with their 15-24 record. If Denver’s offer contains a future first-rounder, the Wizard’s front office may take a chomp.
On the Nuggets’ end, acquiring Ariza assists both sides of the ball. In nine games with the Wizards, Ariza averages 15.2 points and 2.1 steals, highlighting his two-way talent. His wealth of playoff experience and veteran stability will also show its value come playoff time.
As talented as Barton is, Ariza fits better with the starting lineup. He is taller (6 feet 8 inches), and his catch-and-shoot style is congruent to Jokic and company.
Offensively, Ariza would serve as a top-notch outside shooting threat. He knows how to space the floor, and Jokic would enjoy diming him for corner 3-pointers. While Barton can, at times, convert himself to a catch-and-shoot guy, Ariza is more acclimated to this style.
Defensively, Ariza would make a swell pairing with Paul Millsap to create one of the NBA’s stingiest frontcourts. Ariza’s size, instincts and quick hands make him a nightmare for offensive players. Add Gary Harris to the mix, and Denver’s defense is suddenly among the league’s best.
While Barton is paramount to Denver’s long-term plans, he doesn’t necessarily need to start. “Thrill” has proven himself a highly effective bench scorer in the past.
Yet, even if Barton remains plugged in the starting lineup, Denver should still pursue Ariza. There’s always room for a high-caliber 3-and-D guy with veteran smarts. Ariza would be a valuable asset, regardless of whether he starts.
When the playoffs hit, questions become narrower and weightier. Who guards Kevin Durant in the Finals? Which defender cuts off Paul George as he’s driving to the rack?
Despite the strong start, the Nuggets are lacking a savvy two-way wing. Perhaps it’s time to explore the market a bit.