The Denver Nuggets were happy to see starters Paul Millsap and Gary Harris rejoin the action. How will other returns affect the surging second unit?
What do you mean, the first place Denver Nuggets have yet to display their best?
As the squad is off to a Western Conference-leading 26-11 start, it’s hard to imagine changing anything. But it’s not unreasonable to say the best is yet to come.
In 11 games without star guard Gary Harris, the Nuggets posted a sizzling 7-4 record. Even more impressive, the team was also missing starter Paul Millsap in eight of those games.
Already without their other starting forward, Will Barton, Denver pieced-together a junkyard lineup, mixing stars with the unproven. Against all odds, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the second unit kept Denver atop the scrappy Western Conference.
Now that Harris and Millsap are back, the Mile High City is riding a smooth five-game winning streak.
In addition to Denver’s two returned starters, Barton is expected to rejoin shortly, a return that restores the starting lineup to its full strength. Isaiah Thomas also expects to take the floor in 2018-19.
Assuming everyone is healthy (except Michael Porter Jr, who is likely out for the season), how does head coach Michael Malone handle the rotation? Where does Monte Morris fit into the mix? How much time is available for Juancho Hernangomez and Mason Plumlee?
Let’s examine the Nuggets’ probable rotation once health is restored:
Starters
PG: Jamal Murray
Murray has proven himself a wonderful complementary player to Jokic. In the past five games, he’s averaging 25.8 points per contest. Look for Murray to spend ample time at shooting guard, paired with Isaiah Thomas or Monte Morris.
SG: Gary Harris
Welcome back, buddy. Harris is averaging 12.3 points per game in limited minutes since his return. He will ramp things up as he regains his touch. Look for Harris to lock down opponents’ top guards and play occasional minutes at small forward.
SF: Will Barton
It’s hard to know what Barton contributes to the 2018-19 squad, since he’s played just two games. He averaged 17.7 points in 40 starts last year, proving himself a capable scorer. Look for Barton on the receiving end of many Jokic dimes.
PF: Paul Millsap
Although many deserve credit for Denver’s defensive revival, it’s Millsap who’s paved the way. In addition to quarterbacking the defense, he’s averaging 12.5 points since his return. Millsap plays well with Jokic and Mason Plumlee alike.
C: Nikola Jokic
Jokic is the centerpiece to the Nuggets’ shocking start. If he isn’t a 2019 All-Star, the system is wrecked. The Joker has averaged a staggering 25.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 9.0 assists over the past five contests. Chants of MVP! are becoming more common at the Pepsi Center.
Bench (high minutes)
Sixth man: Monte Morris
Signed to fill the 15th roster spot, Morris has been a pleasant surprise. He averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game in Denver’s injury-riddled month of December. Look for Murray and Thomas to play minutes at shooting guard to keep Morris on the floor.
Seventh man: Mason Plumlee
Plumlee stepped up big in Millsap’s absence. A willing passer and defender, Plumlee plays well with both Millsap and Jokic. He’s off to a good start in January, averaging 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Eighth man: Isaiah Thomas
Thomas is a bit of a wild card. He almost nabbed league MVP two seasons ago, averaging 28.9 points per game. If he returns to form, he will easily be Denver’s most impactful bench player. Look for Thomas to spearhead the offense when Jokic rests.
Bench (lower minutes):
Ninth man: Juan Hernangomez
In his third year, Hernangomez is having himself a breakout season. He averaged 12.4 points and 6.5 rebounds while starting all 12 games in December. Most importantly, he plays very well with Jokic. Look for Hernangomez to be utilized at both forward positions.
10th Man: Malik Beasley
Beasley is an interesting case. Like Hernangomez, he is a third-year player amidst his best season. Beasley averaged 12.7 points per game in December, including six straight double-figure scoring efforts. He will energize the bench or be a complete non-factor, depending on the game.
11th Man: Trey Lyles
Although Lyles is a talented scorer, he’s struggled with his shot in 2018-19. He doesn’t mesh style-wise with Jokic, which is problematic in Denver. Lyles’ minutes will vary by game, but strong performances can spell more playing time.